Wade's W3 Weekend - 2011

Chicago, IL

The 5th annual Wade's World Weekend was a major success! The weekend of events kicked off on Thursday morning at the Lakeshore Athletic Club where Dwyane Wade and his father, Dwyane Sr. hosted a Father & Son Mentor Basketball camp. Later that evening, sponsor guests enjoyed food, drinks, karaoke and the FIJI Water photo booth at the Apollo Jets W3 Bowling Classic. On Friday morning, Dwyane visited three Chicago Public Schools to inspire the children on how to be positive and succeed in life. The Carnival Cruise Lines Benefit Dinner took place on Friday evening at the Trump International Hotel Chicago, with co-hosts, Val Warner (co-host of Windy City LIVE) and Corey McPherrin (Good Day Chicago Co-Anchor). The Dinner featured a performance by Lee England Jr., the Soul Violinist, and honored three people from organizations that make a difference in the Chicago community: Tim King (Urban Prep), Diane Latiker (Kids Off the Block) and Ronald and Annette Holt (Purpose Over Pain).

On Saturday morning, Wade's World Foundation hosted a youth summit for over 300 kids. Panel members included Dwyane, David Banner, Lance Gross, Udonis Haslem, Gabrielle Union and others who spoke to the kids about challenges facing our youth today and what it takes to overcome adversity and succeed. That evening, the 3rd Annual Chicago Has Talent took place at the Chicago Theater, hosted by comedian Lil Rel and Rocsi of 106 & Park. The showcase featured eleven acts all vying to win the grand prize of $3,000 and a live performance on Windy City LIVE. The Chi-Town Finest Breakers, a family break dancing group won first place. The showcase also featured a performance by Chicago's own, Jawan Harris. Most importantly, Wade's World Weekend raised funds for Wade's World Foundation which will benefit local Chicago based organizations.