Black Tie - Fire and Ice

Variety- the Children’s Charity is hosting its 32^nd annual Black Tie gala, “Fire & Ice” January 13, 2017 featuring guest speaker Jay Williams. Williams is a former NBA player, ESPN analyst and author.

After just one season with the Chicago Bulls, Williams destroyed his career when he suffered a motorcycle accident leaving him unable to walk.

In "Life Is Not an Accident," Williams shares his story -- both heartbreaking and uplifting -- of being a young man trying to wrest control of his life from his overinvolved parents, from the pleasures and perils of fame and money, and from the near-fatal mistake that threatened to define him.

Williams will recount, with a rare honesty, his hard-fought path to college basketball stardom and the painful lessons he has learned while reconstructing his life after his accident.

In addition to being an author, Williams is the CEO and National Director of Special Events for Rising Stars Youth Foundation based in Long Island, N.J., using basketball as the vehicle to promote education and provide academic and financial assistance to students within the program.

Variety bow ties (in black and red) are also available for purchase. Bow Ties can be picked up at the Variety office prior to the event or the evening of at check in.

In need of a tux for the evening? Skeffington's is offering a $60 discount when you mention "Variety Black TIe".

Check out photos from last year's event here.