SouthFlorida.com | Teen Link South Florida

For a fan, July 12 was the ultimate sports experience.

For a reporter, the day provided for an endless number of stories.

For a philanthropist, the event was a model of successful and meaningful fundraising.

Zo and D.Wade’s 2009 Summer Groove, hosted by former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning and current sensation Dwayne Wade, achieved all of the above during its four-day run.

The Summer Groove featured a celebrity golf classic, a comedy show and benefit dinner, and Sunday's Block Party and All-Star game, linking players, celebrities, fans and underprivileged children throughout the weekend.

Its affordability to the average South Floridian contributed to Sunday's success. The free Block Party in front of the American Airlines Arena transformed the area into a massive street fiesta, complete with live music, plenty of giveaways and food.

However, the party cleared out once people began lining up to get into the arena for the All-Star Game.

Once inside, it felt at first like a Heat game. But that changed once the players took the court.

Truly a star-studded lineup, the game featured an Old School vs. New School matchup.

Lebron James’s absence went almost completely unnoticed: the New School was led by Wade as well as Dorell Wright, Chris Paul, Michael Beasley and Caron Butler.

On the other end of the spectrum, Mourning led the Old School along with Tim Hardaway, Udonis Haslem, Kenyon Martin and Darius Miles.

“It truly is a celebrity weekend," New Orleans Hornets star Chris Paul said. "I’m excited for the game, just to fool around and have fun.”

In a game for the fans, the players entered with a streetball mentality.

Mourning, who started the Summer Groove 13 years ago, referred to the game as "first class" and said he wanted the fans to see the show. “I want the guys to have a good time, but also interact with the fans,” he said.

And interact they did.

Throughout the game, fans joined Zo and D. Wade at center court to receive prizes and awards. Players threw T-shirts into the crowd.

Salt n Peppa, the halftime show performers, asked the crowd which song they wanted to hear.

Michael Beasley put down amazing alley-oop slam dunks and D.Wade shot far-off 3-pointers.

The crowd also went crazy for the Heat’s Golden Oldies, a senior dance group, who "Wutanged" and did "The Stanky Legg" for their enjoyment.

Besides the entertainment, hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised for the two benefit groups, Wade’s World Foundation and Alonzo Mourning Charities.

“We made the prices affordable so we could have an impact on everyone in the community,” Mourning said.