Proceeds from Friday night's Diamond Gala at the InterContinental Hotel and Saturday's AutographFest at Turner Field brought in more than $100,000 for local groups including Special Olympics Georgia, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.

Friday night, the legendary Hank Aaron made a special appearance, and players including the newly signed Derek Lowe, Tim Hudson, Buddy Carlyle, Matt Diaz and pitching coach Roger McDowell served as guest dealers at gaming tables.

No one had a bigger time than commentator and former player Brian Jordan.

"We're having some fun! I got the sweet touch!" he shouted from behind his roulette table.

Blackjack players at catcher Brian McCann's table seemed to be parting with lots of "Braves Bucks," the play money guests placed bets with and later traded for gifts.

"I'm actually taking money from people, it's not good," McCann joked. He's serious, though, about community involvement. "We play the game of Baseball for a living, we're very blessed. It's our duty to give back."

A crowd formed around Chipper Jones' craps table, where the third baseman demonstrated some deft rolling of the dice.

"Any chance we get to give back to the community is a pleasure of ours," he said. Although the well-heeled crowd was smaller than at Saturday's event at Turner Field, fans kept Jones busy posing for pictures and signing memorabilia, which he was happy to do.

"I would be really worried if they weren't asking for my autograph," he mused.

Speaking of diamonds

The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta honors its past presidents at the Diamond Ball, April 18 at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre.

The evening features live entertainment, a cocktail buffet by Carriage House Catering, beer and wine and signature Diamond-tinis.

Guests who purchase a glass of champagne for $25 will have a chance at a one-carat rock valued at $5,000, donated by Belk. Raffle items include a visit to Blue Med Spa in Buckhead, an overnight stay at the InterContinental and a $150 dining certificate at Au Pied de Cochon.

Natalie Rutledge chairs; the committee includes Leslie Foster, Gretchen Payne, Breigh McKinney, Kati Hyland, Allison Carter and Jennifer Johnson Lynch. It's cocktail/black-tie optional.

Tickets are $75 per couple and sponsorship levels range from $250 to $1,000. Info: 770-422-5266.

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