September 26, 2023- The American Red Cross will be hosting its 28th annual Evening of Stars Celebration at the Brown Ballroom on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal, on Tuesday, November 14th, at 6 pm.
Former NFL running back Emmitt Smith will be the special guest and keynote speaker at the Celebration. Smith is a member of the National Football League Hall of Fame, three-time champion with the Dallas Cowboys, and the league’s all-time career rushing leader.
“I am excited to join the American Red Cross and the central Illinois community for Evening of Stars,” Smith said. “It is an honor to partner with this organization and help support its lifesaving mission. I’m looking forward to a fun evening for a great cause.”
Smith was first-round pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, and became the cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys offense for 13 seasons. The eight-time Pro Bowler was the first player in NFL history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in 11 consecutive seasons and on October 27, 2002 he surpassed Walter Payton as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher.
After his playing days, Smith served as a football analyst and then took his television career a step further when he won the third season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, during which he was dubbed “the king of effortless cool.”
“We cannot wait to have Emmitt Smith join us for our annual Evening of Stars celebration in Normal this fall,” Lyn Hruska, executive director of the Central Illinois chapter of the Red Cross said. “We hope you will join us for a night of motivation and encouragement from this talented and distinguished gentleman. Join us for a special evening to support the Red Cross mission.”
Tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets or to participate as a sponsor, click HERE.
General admission is $200 per ticket, which includes dinner and an exciting stage program featuring Smith. The Red Carpet Experience is $750 for a pair of tickets to the VIP reception where guests can meet and have their photo taken with Smith, as well as dinner and the stage program.
Funds raised in support of this annual event help the Red Cross provide critical services throughout the Illinois region, including: disaster response, blood donation, training services and support to our military members and their families.
