Gala In Memphis, + Yes I Can! Award
May 14, 2009
Quote of the Day: “You think that’s their real signatures?”—Darius, talking about a basketball signed by the Memphis Grizzlies basketball team, an item up for auction (and, yes, they were real signatures).
After Pennsylvania, Darius and the crew made the trek to Memphis, Tennessee, in a return to one of our favorite places.
There, we caught up with our friends from our last visit to Rhodes: Katie Amundson, Allie Henson, Karolina Grabowicz, and Andyshea Saberioon. In the picture above, Katie helps D shoot toothpicks at the ceiling of a restaurant.
The Memphis gang got in touch with Mohamad Hakimian, owner of Memphis’s gorgeous Madison Hotel.
Not only did Mr. Hakimian put Darius and the crew up at the Madison, he also agreed to host a joint Darius Goes West - MDA fund-raising gala in their ballroom, free of charge.
Through the gala, guests donated to the fight against muscular dystrophy in ticket purchases to get in, as well as a silent auction.
Included in the auction were jewelry, clothing, and sports memorabilia, along with a week at a Utah resort and other great items.
Huge props to the Memphis gang in finding the contacts who donated, and especially Ali and Gita Saberioon for their hard work in bringing people and auction items to the event.
The night was a fantastic success—before it was winding down guests were already asking Andyshea and friends about next year’s event. Thank you, and congratulations, Katie, Allie, Karolina, Andyshea, Ali, Mohamad, Gita, and everyone else who put their sweat into the event!
While Darius and some of the crew were in Memphis, John and Collin were in Seattle to present a video of Darius’s acceptance speech for the CEC’s 2009 Yes I Can! Award and present clips of the film to conference attendees. The Yes I Can! Award recognizes young people with disabilities who are changing the world and challenging people’s preconceptions. Darius is pumped to be a recipient of the Yes I Can! Thank you, Cheryl Rhodes for nomination Darius, and thank you, Council for Exceptional Children!
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24,031 DVDs sold!
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"A Classic"--The Los Angeles Times
"Certain to stir hearts."-- Variety
The Movie
Accompanied by his eleven best friends, Darius Weems, a fifteen-year-old living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), leaves home for the first time in his life. The rowdy crew sets a course for California where they hope to convince MTV to customize Darius's wheelchair on the hit show, Pimp My Ride. Darius Goes West been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people of all ages all around the world.
The Movement
Darius Goes West is more than a film. The continuing story of Darius, his crew, and the tens of thousands of supporters they have met in their travels can be experienced on this website. This site is continually updated with short videos, blog posts, and innovative initiatives that aim to affect a cure for DMD.
If you're new to DGW, check out the Blog, or join the Facebook group to see what you've missed. If you're a teacher or a student, be sure to check out the educational program. And If you are interested in having Darius or one of the crew members "Skype in" for a Q&A at your screening, please contact us.
DGW is a registered 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization. All proceeds benefit Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research.
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