David Cordell
LA Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (from Highland Park HS) holds a fundraiser every year, called Kershaw's Challenge, that benefits children in Africa, the Dominican Republic, and elsewhere. Classmate (and my dentist) Bob Cederberg and wife Nancy invited Martha and me to the private celebration last Thursday at The Rustic in Dallas.
Three or four years ago, Brad Paisley contacted Kershaw to compliment him on his charitable activity, and he told Kershaw to let him know if there was anything he could do to help. The next year, the performer scheduled for the for the private celebration was killed in an accident. Kershaw's wife urged him to follow up with Paisley. Sure enough, Paisley agreed to perform -- for no fee. The attendees had no idea that the substitute performer would be Brad Paisley. Quite a shock!
Paisley was again the performer last Thursday.
Also in attendance was Atlanta Braves slugger Joc Pederson, with the semi-mullet in the photo below. (Sorry, Lowell and other Astros fans!) Kershaw auctioned off Joc's pearl necklace for $22,000. Note that Paisley has a baseball cap in this photo. Kershaw, holding Paisley's hat, auctioned it for $20,000, and another Paisley hat for another $20,000. (Ahem, I was not among the bidders.)
Below: the Cordells with Clayton Kershaw, who is wearing one of Paisley's hats on top of his baseball cap. It was a great night!
|