Dave King’s Bright Side Night date set!

One thing I quickly realized last year, when I took over managing Bright Side of the Sun from Dave King, was just how much Bright Side Night meant to him. Early on, I learned he was battling a terminal illness, something he confided during our walks through downtown Phoenix on the way to the Footprint Center.

But Dave never spoke about his pain or how limited his time was. Instead, he focused on what mattered most to him: giving young fans the chance to experience a Phoenix Suns game.

The final words he said to me as he lay in a bed in hospice, just days after Bright Side Night 2024, were, “It was pretty cool.” He was referencing the Suns' dramatic comeback victory on Bright Side Night, as they came back from 22 points down in the fourth quarter to beat the Sacramento Kings. I promised him at that time we would carry the event on in his honor.

Here we are now, less than nine months since The King left his mothership, and we have an opportunity to continue his legacy. Dave King’s Bright Side Night will continue, and the date for the event has been set!

When the Phoenix Suns battle the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, January 9, you may hear some extra excitement coming from the stands. That will be because of you and your donations to send underprivileged children to the game via Dave King’s Bright Side Night donations. They will have an opportunity to take in the sites and sounds of a Suns game, creating a core memory that will last a lifetime.

The Phoenix Suns are in the final stages of making the site live to donate (you’ll find that link under the ‘More’ header, titled ‘Donate to Dave King’s Bright Side Night’). Once the link is live, I will be sure to let the community know.

My hope is that you’ll find it in your heart to skip a couple of Starbucks runs and instead consider donating to Dave King’s Bright Side Night. It’s more than just a donation. It’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference. By contributing, you’re not only supporting a worthy cause but also fostering a sense of community and giving back in a way that creates lasting memories for young fans. A few missed coffees can go a long way in sharing the magic of the game with those who need it most.

Oh...and I already have the design done for the t-shirt...