Miami Heat fundraiser attracts Motown performers

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (WSVN) -- The Motor City took a detour to South Florida Wednesday night for the Miami HEAT Family Foundation night of "Motown Revue," presented by Hublot.

It's the fifth such gala event, and it aims to raise money for several local charities. "We raised over $1 million for Safe Space and Jackson Memorial Hospital and various other charities," said Heat president Pat Riley.

The fundraiser gives Heat players a chance to give back to the community and to see some ticket holders. "Some people we see all year, some people we interact with, some people we have relationships with, to be able to come enjoy a night away from sports and be friends of each other," said Heat guard Dwyane Wade.

Instead of a red carpet, Heat players and their guests stepped up to a black carpet in a private Coral Gables home hosting the event.

With a 12-day winning streak for the team, taking the time to give back is that much sweeter. "We're happy about what we're on the [court], but anytime we have an opportunity to have over friends like these, it puts everything else in perspective," said Heat guard LeBron James.

When asked if the Motown acts who performed for the crowd might inspire any players to take to the mic," Heat forward Shane Battier replied, "I'm from Detroit. We'll see if the spirit moves me, but I don't want to upstage those guys."

When Heat center Chris Bosh hears Battier's comments, he said, "I don't think that's such a good idea. Leave it to the professionals."

Among the songs cited as Motown favorites, "My Girl" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" were some of the songs the players mentioned.

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