It was a celebration, of sorts. There were many reasons to celebrate, even though the cause that brought them together was tragic.

On Monday, September 15, 2008, Champ Bailey and John Lynch hosted 'Savor the Grape for Charity,' at Morton's the Steakhouse in the Denver Tech Center to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center. Their leadership, along with that of event co-chairman Domonique Foxworth, raised both awareness and funds for the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club branch, where the Teen Center was built in Darrent's name and opened in May 2008.

What to celebrate in the aftermath of an unsolved gang-related drive-by shooting?

To be frank, life goes on for the rest of us. But the small things really do matter when trying to overcome tragedy.

Some of the small things celebrated on Monday night:

The Broncos won on Sunday, in a last-minute “decision.” (Whose decision it was is still being debated … the referee who blew the whistle at Cutler’s fumble, or Shanahan’s daring call to go for the two-point conversion…) But a win is a win, and there was a lightness in the air.

The community has come together to prevent and alleviate gang violence by providing pro-social opportunities for youth.

The Boys & Girls Club/Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center is already making a positive influence on up to 360 teens each day, after opening on May 29, 2008. “Tangible evidence,” according to Rosalind Williamswho traveled to Denver from her home in Ft. Worth, Texas, to asttend the event. She expressed her appreciation for the tremendous support that people have given to honor and remember her son, and to help the community in his name.

Reverend Leon Kelly, Executive Director of Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives has continued to be involved, and makes a huge difference by giving kids the tools to get out of gang activity.

John Lynch and Dominique Foxworth, along with Champ Bailey, joined forces with Morton’s to bring awareness to the community of the incredible impact that Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver have had in improving the lives of youth by giving them an opportunity to “realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”

It is obvious that the bond formed by players who knew Darrent is not limited to team loyalty. Dominique Foxworth, who is now with the Atlanta Falcons, still supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and was “instrumental in the development of the new Teen Center.”

Morton’s really goes over the top when it comes to throwing a party. Rib-eye on the outdoor grill, a strolling buffet including (LARGE) shrimp, Bluepoint oysters, filet mignon, chicken Christopher, poached salmon, Ceasar Salad, asparagus, and the list goes on, to all of the patron’s delight.

BIG wines, provided by Republic National Distributing Company included prestigious wineries like Robert Mondavi, Jordan, Cakebread, ZD and others. Grab a wine glass as you walk in the door, and “savor the grape.”

The silent auction was riddled with dozens of sports memorabilia, from shoes to jerseys to footballs (all signed, of course!); priceless items, some of which were had at bargain prices!

The live auction brought in nearly $17,000. As “auctioneer,” KCNC NEWS4’s Vic Lombardi helped to instigate some changes to the auction items: John Lynch added dinner to the exclusive golf package at The Sanctuary Golf Course; when the bidding was so fierce on the opportunity to have chef Eric Pruitt fix dinner for six at home, Morton’s Tom Kohler stepped up and made it possible for both parties to win the bid by providing two dinners for six. (Or is that one for 12? Lynch and Abdullah were the high bidders!)

Certainly, many patrons are still celebrating as they share their photos, autographs and silent auction items procured with of so many Denver Bronco heroes.

Boys and Girls Clubs have been proven to enable disadvantaged youth to experience a safe and positive environment where they can learn social, academic, and leadership skills. It is documented that many of today’s professional football players wouldn’t have learned about goal-setting, commitment, and responsibility without their involvement with Boys and Girls Clubs in their youth.