After being in this business awhile some events you can do without and others you do not want to live with out and Chris Webber's is one of the latter.  Retired NBA superstar turned NBA TV sports commentator Chris Webber hosted his third annual Bada Bling celebrity weekend at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas   The Bada Bling weekend festivities benefit the Chris Webber Foundation, the hoop star's nonprofit organization that work to create positive recreational and educational opportunities for youth.  When I arrived in Las Vegas I was greeted by one of Chris' personal drivers that was expecting me.  The gentleman took my bags and led me to The C-Webb bus, myself and one other person came in the night before all the activities were to start.  It was nothing, but VIP treatment once I arrived to Planet Hollywood, no waiting in line, a manager greeted me with keys to my suite and sated a bellman would follow me up with my bags.  Just like a kid I opened the door and quickly toured my home for the next four days.  Chris did it again-the room was large enough to be a condo.  That Friday I hung out in the hospitality suite to get an idea of the celebrities that were coming to party with Chris Webber for a purpose.  Additionally, I was able to reconnect with people that I had met the year before and exchange hellos.  The weekend kicked off with a celebrity poker tournament where C-Webb, as he is affectionately known, and his celebrity pals gambled at high stakes for the charity.  "It is for the kids," Chris emphasized all weekend. 

 

A number of his friends played but it was a serious game and you would see them quickly getting up from the tables when they loss.  The tension mounted to the last table of celebrities and high profile individuals playing for the weekend in a presidential villa in Cabo San Lucas for six.  Ricky Davis, a professional poker player, and a lady that was a supporter of Chris' foundation were down to the final rounds and Ricky and the lady beat the professional poker player, but Ricky did not have enough game to win the trip.  After a serious night of high risk card playing it was time to party to the lyrics of rapper Too Short, who performed at the welcome party at Prive'.  As if Too Short was not enough D-Nice kept the crowd moving with his unparalleled mix of music.  Now it was not that the party ever stopped, but most people could not hang past four in the morning.  Bright and early at 8:00 a.m. was Tee Off for the celebrity golf challenge.  A number of us just putted around the eighteen hole course for the fun of it.  Either they were too tired or too hung over to play a serious game of golf, but it was fun just the same.  For the most part I drove around on my golf cart and took photos and acted silly while the other folks attempted to play a serious game of golf.  Finally when the host, Chris Webber arrived at 11:00 I rode around with him to play the final four holes of the game.  He had a long night and just could not get up and out that early he told me laughing while we rode around the course together to find the gentleman he was to join in the great game of golf.  A poolside party was jumping by the time we got back to Planet Hollywood form the golf course.  Featuring music by DJ D-Nice took place Saturday afternoon prior to the gala.  Photographer Johnny Nunez was moving around the pool doing his thing getting all the hot shots when he was setting up a photo of Terry Crews, TichinaArnold, and, Wendy Racquel Robinson when he stepped back a little far to get the shot just right and fell into the swimming pool.  Camera, cell phone, and his entire body was dripping wet by the time he finished getting his shots at the pool party.  We all lounged after him, but it was too late.  Extremely frustrated, Johnny let us all know our concern was appreciated, but he need his space. 

 

Later that night was the formal gala and auction, which took place in the immaculately decorated Planet Hollywood grand ballroom.  Comedian MarkCurry emceed the affair, which included a four course meal with continuous wine service, in addition to overseeing the auction with the help of comic Finesse Mitchell (‘Saturday Night Live').  A hypnotist named Tom Silver performed his magic on the mind on ten volunteer audience members, who hilariously did everything from impersonate Aretha Franklin to embody Usher and Ludacris while under the hypnotic spells of Silver.  There were also performances by Raphael Saddiq and Gladys Knight.  Saadiq performed last year and wrecked the place!  This year, the former Tony! Toni! Tone'! lead singer was not as great due to his introducing new tracks for his forthcoming CD, the 1960's inspired "The Way I See It," in addition to his hits like "Anniversary," "It Never Rains (InSouthern California)," and "Just Me and You," got the crowd on their feet.  R&B icon Gladys Knight followed and had the place going completely crazy as she strolled down memory lane with her timeless catalog of hits.  The 65-year-old, seven-time Grammy winner performed effortlessly, seamlessly weaving together song after song and hits like "Love Overboard," "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me," her moving "End of the Road" medley and "I've Got To use My Imagination."  However, I was so disappointed that she never sang my request on "Neither One of Us, (Wants to be the First To Say Goodbye)".  I almost was tempted to get in on the action when Knight performed her hit "Midnight Train To Georgia," a number of the men in the audience joined Gladys' brother Merald "Bubba" Knight of The Pips and celebrities like Kedar Whittle (‘Hell Date'), Clifton Davis (‘Amen'), TNT commentator Kenny Smith and the host Chris Webber and his brothers performed the classic routine. 

 

Chris Webber raised thousand of dollars with his impressive auction items.  Guests bid on everything from a performance outfit worn by the late James Brown (and presented by his daughter Yamma Brown); dinner for 12 prepared by chef Nikki Shaw (‘Next Food Network Star' and wife of Los Angeles Lakers coach Brian Shaw); a chance to sing the "National Anthem" at a Sacramento Kings game; a walk-on appearance and interview on TNT with Kenny Smith; and other fabulous things. 

 

A private post-party was held after the gala at Koi and DJ D-Nice again impressed the crowd with his mix of Hip Hop and old school music.  Now he is got to be one of the best party starters out right now.  He had me so hype that I attempted to stand on the back of one of the sofas in Koi and almost fell, thanks to my boy Mick Hudson former NBA player that caught just before I hit the floor (everyone thought I was drunk, it was so funny).  Among the additional Hollywood stars, recording artists, sports figures, and notable personalities on hand for the "Bada Bling" weekend included Idris Elba (‘Daddy's Little Girls'), Lil Mo, Baron Davis (Los Angeles Clippers), who I caught having a little confrontation with a woman that alleged he owed her over $2,500 for a purchase of Mary Jane (marijuana) and cocaine that she made for him back in L.A. and the big ego NBA Baller and still had not made good on.  I watched her walk up confront him right on the red carpet while he was being interviewed.  The lady that wishes to remain nameless said that she had supplied him with his drugs of choice and women in that past and now he does not want to pay up.  KenyaMoore, Ricky Davis (Miami Heat), Keith Robinson (‘Dreamgirls'), Jill MarieJones (‘Girlfriends'), Juwan Howard (Dallas Mavericks), Terry Crews (‘Everybody Hates Chris'), retired hoops star Mateen Cleaves, Elise Neal (‘Hustle & Flow'), Richard "Rip" Hamilton (Detroit Pistons), April Woodard (‘Inside Edition'), Laz Alonso (‘This Christmas'), NBA great Moses Malone, Matt Barnes (Phoenix Suns), Doug and Norma Christie (‘The Cristies'), retired WNBA player Ruthie Bolton, Derek Fisher (Los Angeles Lakers), comic Joe Torry, Scott Pollard (Boston Celtics), retired NBA star Mark Jackson and wife, singer Desiree Coleman-Jackson, retired NBA player Dale Davis, actress Porsha Coleman, actress Alexis Fields Jackson (‘Sister, Sister'), CliftonPowell (‘The Gospel'), boxing trainer Roger Mayweather, Tayshaun Prince (Detroit Pistons), comic George Wallace, Damon Stoudamire (San Antonio Spurs), retired NBA star Antonio Davis, Antoine Walker (Memphis Grizzlies), and retired NFL player AB Whitfield.  Additionally, there were also a host of publicists, producers, network executives, media, and far too many other notables to name.  Juan Murray, celebrity reporter and member of The TomJoyner Morning Show was in the place.  I would be remised if I did not say that Chris Webber's "Bada Bling" Weekend has to be one of the most organized celebrity weekends with and amazing team effort of knowledgeable, efficient staff and friendly volunteers.  You do not want to miss this event if you have an opportunity to attend in the future.  Special thanks to my girl Tiaka Hurst of Full Bloom Marketing and the entire "Bada Bling" staff for an incredible time, the weekend was truly amazing.  Also I have to give a huge shout out to one of my new buddy that I met during the weekend activities and when even hung out and went shopping together on the that most people flew out, Esther Jackson.  Everyone support Chris Webber's Foundation and for more information visit www.ChrisWebber.com.

 

Due my constantly being complemented on my great taste in clothing I thought it would be fun for me to include a best dressed and worst dress list at some of the events I attend around the country.  Now some people just know what to do and they get it right and others obviously do not know what to do and they do not have enough common sense to get some much needed help.  Which is why you now have me, you got it.  If you do it right I am going to tell you job well done and if you mess it up I am going to call you out so you will never make that mistake again in life.  Now this list will go for the men and the women and you will never know who might show up as best or worst. 

 

So hear I go with my top three picks at Chris Webber's "Bada Bling" Gala for Best Dressed starting with number three, Kenya Moore looked amazing in royal purple.  I am not sure if it was the dress or her figure, most likely it was a combination of the two that made her breath taking that night.  Kenya said she actually did not know the name of the designer of her dress nor was it very expensive, but just something she picked up at a boutique and found it striking because of the rich color.  Needless to say she had all the men tripping over their own feet trying to find a reason to speak to her on that night in Vegas.   

Now my next pick for the evening always looks amazing.  Not only is this young lady gorgeous, but she is even smarter than she is pretty.  Too bad April Woodard is not available!  My friend knows just what to do and manages to do it right for each and every event.  April does not only know how to dress extremely well, but she knows how to pick her outfits perfectly for each event that she attends.  No matter if she is there working or a special invited guest April Woodard is going to stand out in the crowd. 

As you can see April was absolutely smashing in this black sleeveless/strapless tee length black satin number.   It was no doubtabout it, April got the memo that she was attend the "Bada Bling" Gala and her feet were covered in a pair of  silver bling bling strappy heels that snaked up her legs.  

 

Finally for my top choice for the night was this show stopping number worn by Jenine Wardally Howard.  The beautiful wife of Juwan Howard, if her dress did not get your attention coming then it was sure to make your head turn when she was going.  The totally hand beaded cream dress by designer Pren was gorgeous. A drape like number with cut out sleeves and a large knot gathering in the back left me in awe of her after my red carpet interview with her and her husband.  Actually I found myself calling Jenine back to me on the carpet after I saw the back of her dress.  The black crushedvelvet Christine Dior platform medal heels were the perfect choice and did not over due the dress.  Without a doubt Jenine Wardally Howard stole the show at the "Bada Bling" Gala. 

Now that you have seem the beautiful choices for the best dressed let me tell you the hideous eye sores that we had to tolerate for the night that made you wonder why did they do that to themselves.  Now they all are bad but I will go from what could have gotten a pass if the femalehad picked some type of what my Grandmother called foundation to have kept her Jell-O from dancing all over the place.  Ladies let me tell you right now, it does not look good, sexy, or attractive in any from for you to have your body giggling all over the place when you are walking.  Trust me it does not look good, but grouse.  Which, was the problem for my third pick on my worst dressed list of the evening.

 

This dress simply did not do anything for this young lady.  It just hung on her like it did on the hanger.  Nothing about it is flattering in the least way, not to mention she must not have been wearing anything underneath it due to how her body danced to a tone all of it's own when she simply walked around the room.  The v-neck and v-sleeve attempted to be cute, but did not make it. 

 

Now for my next choice, retired WNBA player Ruthie Bolton, who is from Jackson, Mississippi and her choice of dress told a story all of its own.  Now I will be honest due to the lighting not being all that great in the photo you can not see how bad this dress it, but trust me it is God awful.  The deep wine was not a good choice of color for the very dark female basketball player.  Not to mention it screamed CHEAP!  The round neck sleeveless dress that was only a strip of material that covered the breast and a slightly wider strip that covered he goodies and the rest was completely a glittering mesh and a totally mess.  Not to add insult to injury Ruthie had the nerve to wear a headband that matched in color in a weak attempt to cover over two inches of new growth on her braided extensions.  If she could not have gotten her hair re-braided she should have just stayed home. 

 

And for my worst dressed woman of the night, it is nothing can say other than as the question, "Why?"  What in the hell was she thinking;now this dress not only dreadful in color, but material as well.  It was actually that cheap stretch material that is something like >one-size-fits-all type of stuff.  It was the worst thing in the room!

As you can see it is nothing that can be said other than, "Why?"