On Saturday night, dozens of championship trophies, symbols of the highest achievements in professional sports, were gathered in one room. For guests, it felt like walking through history. At the center of it all was Tavia Hunt, wife of Kansas City Chiefs Chairman CEO Clark Hunt and 2026 Sweethe art Ball Chairman, who helped bring together an unprecedented collection of hardware for the annual ball that benefits UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Department of Cardiology. Hunt says the idea was simple at first, but quickly grew into something extraordinary. “There actually wasn’t an existing world record for something like this,” Hunt explained. “But we ended up with 40 championship trophies across professional sports.” What made the collection truly unique wasn’t just the number, but the connection. Every trophy in the room had ties to North Texas, whether through a team, an owner or a historic moment rooted in the region. From football to basketball, baseball to golf, the display became a celebration of victory and community. Each Sweetheart Ball chair chooses a theme that reflects something personal. For Hunt, the inspiration came from recent championship wins and the joy they brought to fans and her family. In a conversation with her husband, Clark Hunt told his wife he preferred not to make the event about their own success. Instead, he pushed for something more inclusive, an idea that ultimately shaped the entire evening. Hunt says her first call went to a friend connected to Justify, the Triple Crown-winning racehorse. Then came a call to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who also agreed to contribute the team’s five Lombardi Trophies. “After that, it just snowballed,” Hunt said. Ball guests were given rare access to some of the most iconic trophies in sports. The Stanley Cup, a massive trophy steeped in tradition, drew particular attention. With only one in existence, it even arrived with its own dedicated handler from New York. Golf fans had their own moment of surprise. Trophies connected to legends like Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau and Lee Trevino were on display, timed perfectly with the Masters weekend. The Masters organization made a special request: no photos of certain trophies could be shared until after the tournament concluded, to avoid distraction. The hostess agreed. The event also showcased the achievements of every major North Texas franchise. The Dallas Stars were represented by the Stanley Cup. The Dallas Mavericks’ Larry O’Brien Trophy stood near, alongside the Texas Rangers’ Commissioner’s Trophy. FC Dallas added to the mix with its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy. Together, they told a powerful story of a region rich in athletic excellence. Amid all the prestige, one unexpected item became a crowd favorite. The “Preston Road Trophy,” a playful, homemade creation that symbolizes a friendly rivalry between the Hunt and Jones families. It commemorates matchups between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys. Engraved with game results, it serves as a traveling trophy passed between the families. During the evening, it was formally presented to the Jones family following the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day victory, a surprise moment that drew laughter, applause and heartfelt remarks. The Sweetheart Ball, at its core, is a philanthropic gathering that brings people together to support critical advancements in cardiology research at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. “It’s really about friendship, joy and coming together for a good cause,” Hunt said. After a year of planning, coordination and countless requests, the night delivered exactly what she hoped: something magical and memorable. The Sweetheart Ball typically raises between $3.5 and 4 million dollars a year. ...read more read less