CNN Correspondent, TVOne analyst and personality on The Tom Joyner Morning show, Roland Martin and his wife Jacquie hosted the Hope for St. Jude Inaugural Ball Charity Fundraiser this weekend. Friday, January 18, 2013, the lower level of The Hamilton here in Washington, DC was transformed into a classy, yet somewhat casual affair for attendees to enjoy live entertainment as well as participate in the silent auction.

Auction items included one-of-a-kind commemorative photos, tickets to sporting events and concerts and an autographed football from The Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III (RGIII.)

Guest of the evening, activist and comedian Dick Gregory, spoke on the importance of the children’s hospital and research institution after a brief pre-recorded success story of a mother who’s twin daughters were diagnosed with having two brain tumors each, but with the help of free treatment from the St. Jude’s facility in their area both girls are cancer-free today.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded in 1962 by Danny Thomas and is recognized for its pioneering research and treatment of children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. The proceeds from this event will help continue to provide valuable research and education programs in the ongoing fight.

Below, Roland Martin tells me why this cause is important to him and a photo gallery from the event.

Related articles

• Roland Martin Clashes With CNN Panelist: ‘Florida Tried To Suppress The Vote And It Backfired’ (mediaite.com)
• St. Jude Opens New Facility, Domino’s Pizza Delivers Big Donation (wreg.com)
• Suspended Roland S. Martin of CNN: ‘I look forward to meeting with GLAAD’ (miamiherald.typepad.com)