David's Gala a "Wrighteous" Success

My mother and I sat in traffic for an hour-and-a-half while waiting to enter the Lincoln Tunnel on our way to the Hard Rock at Times Square, and it was well worth it.

Initially wristbanded as soon as we walked in, my mom received white for being over 21, and I received a blue one for being under, everyone got the red carpet treatment. Literally.

We walked down a set of stairs and onto a red carpet, set against a backdrop meant for reporters to snap photos of David Wright and other celebri

ties that arrived after doors opened at 6 PM, well before we arrived at 6:45 PM.

Immediately, guests were treated wine and food that was being ferried around the floor. (On a side note, the beef wellington was amazing.)

The buffet line was a little long, but then again, what else could you expect with over 1,500 people at the event? It moved quickly and the buffet offered a variety of sophisticated foods, like penne a la vodka and eggplant rollatini, yet the availability of sliders, reubens, hot dogs, and superpretzels reminded all guests of the roots of the foundation.

A short time later, emcee Carolina Bermudez, of Z100, introduced David Wright, which sent the crowd into a frenzy. David

 thanked everyone for coming and introduced the entertainer for the night, American Idol's David Cook, who was equally as eloquent and humble as Wright.

After announcing that as of that moment, the David Wright Foundation had raised over $200,000 thus far, both Carolina and David began the Live Auction.

There were three packages available. The first was the "American Idol Package", which featured round trip, first-class plane tickets to the 2009 American Idol Finale, accompanied by 2008 American Idol, David Cook. This package went for $9,500.

The second package was the "David and David Package," which included accompanying David Cook to a taping of Live with Regis and Kelly and a few other smaller perks. The David Wright half offered time spent with the third baseman himself during Mets batting practice at CitiField, after which the winner would view the game from David's own field box seats.

The winner spent $10,500 on this package.

The third, and final, package was a "CitiField Experience Package." The packaged included a luxury box at CitiField for up to 19 people, 19 Mets goodie bags, 19 baseballs autographed by Mets players, and a visit from Mets General Manager Omar Minaya in the suite. The package was the most expensive of the three, netting the foundation $11,000.

After the final package, David urged everyone to check out the silent auctions, which ranged from signed baseballs, bats, and photos by everyone from Wright to Seaver, as well as signed items that spanned all of baseball, and check out Cook's performance.

Personally, I didn't stick around for all of Cook's performance, but what I did see was very good. I was more interested in seeking out David and hopefully grabbing a picture with him. However, I bumped into numerous people who were picture-worthy, as well.

"Super" Joe McEwing was at the event and I got to speak with him for a little 

while. He was appreciative of the fact that I said I was devastated when he was traded and was more than happy to converse with both me and my mother.

Washington Nationals Third Baseman, Ryan Zimmerman, was hanging out with Joe and I 

got a picture with him, as well. Besides the fact that he was very nice, the major thing I noticed about him was that he was VERY tall. After doing a quick Google search, I found out he was 6'3" tall, but it seemed like a lot more. Perhaps it's because at 5'4," he made me feel a lot shorter.

Fortunately, I was able to score a V.I.P. pass for the evening, which was an amazing experience. BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG thank you goes out to the wonderful Keith Miller, former Met who will forever be a Met in my heart, and 

equally wonderful Seth, whose last name I wish I had gotten to make this a more personal thank you, for making this night the most fantastic night of my entire life. I greatly appreciate it.

Plus, if it wasn't for them, you all wouldn't know any of the things that happened for the rest of the evening! Thanks again Keith and Seth, I owe you, big time!

Immediately,

 my mom and I were introduce to HoJo, who is a very cool guy to talk to. He took a picture with my mom and was very nice.

After that, I was directed towards where David was taking pictures and found myself face to face with Jason Marquis instead. I was completely amazed that I was surrounded by some really good ballplayers and no one seemed to knew who they were when they

 weren't wearing a baseball uniform.

They seemed impressed that after being introduced that I knew who they were. (Big thanks to my grandfather and aunt for getting me hooked on the game for that one!)

Then I turned to my left and found myself a foot-and-a-half away from David Wright, who looks exactly the same in person as he does on TV. After waiting a few minutes, I shook his hand and introduced myself.

Let me tell you something, he is EXACTLY as nice and humble as everyone says he is! 

My mom was having a few camera issues and he was patient, making small talk with me as we waited. Then, after I had blinked in the picture, he was more than happy to take another.

Onto the third time I came face to face with him, after realizing that I had a VIP pass he could sign, he signed that for me!

On the last go-around, I decided to tell him about this Web site! This VERY Web site! And he was really gracious about it and thanked me for the effort I put into it. He made a mental note of the address of the site, so hopefully he pops by to visit it. In case he does...

HI, DAVID!

My wish fulfilled, and my night made, we headed for the exit of the Hard Rock Cafe. On my way out, I was stopped and given a special V.I.P. gift bag, which I opened when I got home. Inside the Nike gift bag was a men's Armitron watch, a Ralph Lauren Garden Candle, a mini VitaminWater in power-c, a bag of Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares, Anthony Shaving Cream, gift cards to Build-a-Bear, Modell's, and Hickey Freeman, and a Marquis Jets hat. I felt like such a celebrity, haha!

Overall, the night was unbelievable and well-run. Everyone was incredibly approachable and accommodating. I truly enjoyed myself and I know that my mom did, too. From the food to the music to the gifts and the people, the night was a complete success.

In fact, I already can't wait for next year!

Okay, well, maybe I'll anticipate the World Baseball Classic and Spring Training first.