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The
Payton Family would like to invite you to join us for the
2nd
Annual Spirit of Sweetness Award Celebration
Last year our family was honored to award Mike Ditka as the recipient
of the first annual “Spirit of Sweetness” award.
Coach Ditka was instrumental to Walter’s ability to fulfill his
destiny, which is why my children and I chose him for this special honor.
This year we have chosen Emmitt Smith to receive this award as he is
poised to surpass Walter’s rushing record. Emmitt was not only chosen for his football accomplishments,
but most importantly for his passion to give back in raising funds for
America’s youth. His goal
is to raise $22 million in 22 months for education.
On July 23, 2002 the Walter Payton Cancer Fund will hold the 2nd
Annual “Spirit of Sweetness” Award Celebration at Walter Payton's
Roundhouse Complex (205 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505), and we would love for you to join us! The evening will be a celebration of Sweetness to benefit the
Walter Payton Cancer Fund, in cocktail attire.
This is a 501 c (3) non-profit organization where 99 cents of every
dollar donated goes directly to cancer research.
In
our dedication to raising 3.4 million dollars in the year 2002 for cancer
research, my children and I hope that you will consider joining us at this
2nd Annual “Spirit of Sweetness” Award Celebration.
The Spirit of Sweetness lives on
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Jarrett Payton (left), Mike Ditka (middle), and Walter's brother, Eddie Payton (right), smile for the press after Ditka accepted his Spirit of Sweetness Award at the Walter Payton College Prep High School in June.
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Several NFL colleagues, former Chicago Bears players, and special friends of the Payton Family gathered on June 9th for the Inaugural Spirit of Sweetness Black Tie Gala at the Walter Payton College Prep High School. Connie, Jarrett, Brittney and Walter’s brother, Eddie Payton hosted the Gala and honored "Da Coach", Mike Ditka, with the first Spirit of Sweetness award.
The evening began with a wonderful cocktail reception and dinner catered by Mike Ditka’s restaurant. Mike Adamle, sports newscaster of Chicago’s NBC 5 television station, was the emcee of the evening and kept the program rolling with his high energy and magnetic personality.
Throughout the evening, guests had the chance to participate in a silent auction that included several sports memorabilia items ranging from Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves to Tiger Woods autographed picture.
Following dinner, Mike Adamle led everyone to the school’s auditorium for the main event, honoring Mike Ditka with the Spirit of Sweetness award. The Payton family started the program with a touching video of Walter Payton, which was followed by heartfelt speeches by Connie, Jarrett and Eddie Payton.
Ditka accepted his award and reminisced with the audience about the magnificent person that everyone called "Sweetness." Ditka especially remembered how Walter possessed such a passion and drive for the sport, and to this day, he has not met another football player that even comes close to Walter Payton.
The evening concluded with music by Bella Bella, which included a special song honoring Walter Payton.
Proceeds made from this event will go directly to benefit the Walter Payton Cancer Fund.
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