Dallas Cowboys great Emmitt Smith headlines Casa de Amor Gala

Emmitt Smith believes in making the world better. 

Smith, a NFL great and Hall of Fame running back, spoke to a crowd of more than 800 people about how each person can impact his or her community at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Corpus Christi's Casa de Amor Gala. 

The gala, which was Thursday night at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center, serves as one of the biggest fundraising events for the charity, and funds go toward operating expenses.

Smith's visit was the first time the gala sold out, said Tara Galvan, operations director.

The event featured live and silent auctions, a photo area, dinner and a speech by three-time Super Bowl champion Smith. 

Before he arrived at the gala, Smith met with children and tossed a football around at the Ronald McDonald House. 

At the gala, several children were inducted into the Ronald McDonald House's 2017 draft. The children, who live at the house while they receive treatment for critical illnesses, walked a stage while being introduced to the Ronald McDonald team. 

"I love to give back to the community," said land developer Moses Mostaghasi. "I've been a (Dallas Cowboys) fan all my life, but I like the fundraising part more."

Mostaghasi is no stranger to the gala. Thursday was the second time Mostaghasi has contributed to the event. But as a Dallas Cowboys and Smith fan, this year was that much more special. 

"I watched all the championships," he said. "It's nice to meet an NFL star."

Smith joined the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the NFL draft in 1990. During his time with the Cowboys, the team won Super Bowl championships in 1992, 1993 and 1995. Smith also is the NFL's all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards in 15 seasons. 

"We're privileged that he's here," Lupita Garcia said. "People look up to him."

But at the gala, Smith traded in his Cowboys uniform for a crisp, white shirt, grey pants and a checkered blazer as he spoke about the positive impact the crowd's donations had on the children at the Ronald McDonald House.

"They cannot do the things that they are doing without your support and the community's support," Smith said. "Therefore, what you're doing, your'e transforming young people's lives and giving families a chance to not only love on their kids even longer, but to be there together as a family."

The Ronald McDonald House has 25 guest rooms and can house up to 100 people.

Also at the gala, Lia and Tim Lange were honored for being longtime contributors and supporters of the charity, said Tammy Botello, communications manager. 

Lia Lange has a long history with the charity. She lived in the house when she was 19, while she waited for her newborn son to receive a liver transplant. Lia Lange has since contributed and visited the house often. 

She and her husband were presented with flowers, a plaque and a large, wooden Monopoly board, a game she played often while she stayed at the house, Galvan said. 

Thursday night, the gala raised about $280,000, according to officials.