23rd Vince Carter Charity Gala, A Surprise Tribute

For 22 years Vince Carter and his Embassy of Hope Foundation have been hosting community members at the annual Vince Carter Charity Gala. This year, on August 20, 2022, the foundation honored its very own founder, president and benefactor – Mr. Vincent Lamar Carter, retired 8-time NBA All-Star, who served 22 years over four decades as a highlight reel, a team player, a mentor and a play maker! Instead of Vince talking about the Embassy of Hope Wall of Fame awardees, he listened to community members, friends, and relatives relate how much of an impact he has had on everyone around him from kids, to adults, to the public in general. It was a fine tribute for an outstanding young man who deserved all of the accolades and the attention. In true Vince fashion, he said, “I am humbled and honored. So many of you have guided me, coaxed me, cajoled me, and even forced me to be the man I am today. Thank you.”

“This gala is one of my favorite fundraising events,” said Carter. “It is an opportunity for people to come together, enjoy themselves and help us raise money for local programs within our community.” The gala, a black-tie optional affair, included entertainment by KTG, plenty of food, recognition of the foundation’s scholarship winners, and lots of fun. There was a silent auction of numerous gift baskets donated by friends and members of the Embassy of Hope Board of Directors, as well as exquisite jewelry available for purchase from J’aime Bijoux LLC, wholesale private jeweler Jaime Yeomans.

In addition to the dancing, auctions, and camaraderie, attendees enjoyed “off the cuff” vintage Vince Carter comments about his new career as a NBA analyst with ABC/ESPN, his continuing desire to help others, his passion for helping young people see their potential, and his dreams for a better life for those less fortunate. “It doesn’t get any better than this,” said one of the gala attendees.

Proceeds benefit children and family programs and the Embassy of Hope “Believing in Your Dreams” Scholarship Fund. Since its inception in 1998, Carter’s Embassy of Hope Foundation has donated over 2 million dollars in the United States and Canada.