Earvin "Magic" Johnson & Cookie Johnson on the Red Carpet.

Kelly Rowland on the Red Carpet.

After the step and repeat, guests walked through a gallery of silent and live auction pieces. Photo courtesy Special Events

An incredible combo captivated guests and kept the dancers moving.

Cigar and cigarette ladies are actually distributing delicious chocolates from a gala sponsor.

High stomping tap floor show from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy.

A mainstage performance by Andra Day opened the event. She was accompanied by South Side Symphony with conductor Marcus Norris.

Emmy Award winning actress, singer, songwriter, and producer Keke Palmer served as Gala host.

Tables toward the front of the room received charcuterie and cheese boards under domes from caterer Carla Johnson. Photo courtesy Luv OverBOARD

Outside, lamb chops were grilled by Chef D’s Original Catering. Photos courtesy Special Events

Inside, lamb chops by Chef D’s Original Catering were beautifully plated along with a lobster tail and corn muffin and served to hungry guests. Photos courtesy Special Events

A runway is built and covered so that co-founders and co-artistic directors Tina Knowles-Lawson and Richard Lawson could walk out into the audience in style to welcome their guests. Photo courtesy Special Events

Co-founders and co-artistic directors Tina Knowles-Lawson and Richard Lawson walk out into the audience in style to welcome their guests. Photo courtesy Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for WACO

Roy Porter (left) watches as his team pulls racks off the reefer truck. Photo courtesy Special Events

Heading carefully into the hangar so as to not jostle the boards. Photo courtesy Special Events

Rolling into the ballroom. Photo courtesy Special Events