The Grand Slam for Children benefit concert, presented by Genworth Financial, was a huge success raising over nine million dollars. A star-studded†line-up came together at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in an event to benefit the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF).

Agassi stated, “I am grateful that there are so many people dedicated to helping kids. I’m thrilled with the turnout from the public, the generosity of our sponsors, donors and bidders, and the commitment and talent of the performers who so graciously give their time to the Grand Slam. It was one of the greatest nights of the year.”

The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit public charity. It was created to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The Foundation strives to assist those underprivileged, abused, and abandoned children who may be deprived of basic options in life. The AACF also offers a combination of emotional, physical and academic programs designed to enhance a child’s character, self-esteem and career possibilities. Over 8,200 excited, energized, eager fans and VIP guests packed the†arena to see a parade of spectacular STAR performers.

  

Opening the show was the unparalleled Tony Bennett who was better than ever. He brought the house to a standing ‘O’ with each song. Truly phenomenal! The celebrated 80 year-old veteran who has been singing for more than 50 years, is the last of the legendary performers of his day. He has sold more than 50 million records and received 15 Grammy Awards. What a star--He is actually a galaxy!

A special performance by observational comedian Jerry Seinfeld brought thunderous laughter to the arena. He is best known for the most successful television series in history, “Seinfeld,” which also earned him Golden Globes and Emmy Awards. He brought tears of laughter to every ones eyes. He is still on-top-of-his-game and perhaps one of the funniest comics of our time! Brilliant!

  

The original American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, not only thrilled but also made the crowd go wild, singing her hits with total style and confidence. Clarkson has won 2 Grammy’s, 4 American Music Awards and 11 Billboard Music Awards with her first 2 albums.

Switching music genres, Rob Thomas with “Matchbox Twenty” has sold over 29 million records worldwide and won 3 Grammy Awards. Thomas gave a stellar performance and the energetic screaming fans loved every minute of it.

Ladies, for me the night was complete just looking at hunky Johnny Rzeznik, lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls. This group is mesmerizing! Well, I for one was excited and so was the roaring crowd. Johnny is breathtaking to look at and his voice and performance are extraordinarily out-of-this-world. Catch him on New Year’s Eve at the House of Blues in Vegas.

Up next was legendary rock duo, Hall and Oates—they brought the house down! They were more than amazing. The crowd was cheering throughout their entire performance of hits. They sound, look, and performed as they did in the 80’s, phenomenally!

Fans were also treated to stellar performances by 10-time Grammy Award-winning guitarist and member of the Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Fame Carlos Santana, the ever so funny George Wallace and Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster--who served as musical director for the 12th year.

In addition to the stars above, the adoring fans who lined up outside before the show got to see on the red carpet “CSI Miami” detective Emily Proctor, tennis pro Mark Philippoussis, “Dancing with the stars” Julianne Hough, and celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.

The VIP sponsors attended a pre-concert reception and dinner followed by a live auction. The exclusive items included a Porsche Cayenne from the Sopranos--signed by James Gandolfini and Edie Falco; along with Robin Williams’ movie premiere/after-party and countless other items.

The Grand Slam for Children concert fundraiser benefits the AACF, a not-for-profit foundation established by Andre Agassi in 1994 to assist at-risk youth in Las Vegas, where Agassi was raised. The past 12 Grand Slam events raised more than $70 million for charity. Wow, you go Agassi!

Specific charities benefiting from the AACF fundraiser include the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model charter school in West Las Vegas, Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club, Assistance League of Las Vegas’ Operation School Bell, Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Nevada, Child Haven, Cynthia Bunker and Joy McClenahan Memorial Scholarship Fund, I Have A Dream Foundation, Greater Las Vegas After-School All-Stars presented by Inner-City Games, Las Vegas Philharmonic’s Youth Concert Series, Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp and YMCA of Southern Nevada.

U.S. tennis player Andre Agassi is known as one of the greatest in his game's history. In two decades of playing tennis, Agassi won more than 850 singles matches, including 60 titles, 8 Grand Slams and an Olympic Gold Medal. Despite his phenomenal talent, it is his heart that makes him an admirable American.

For more information on the charity or to donate, visit http://www.agassifoundation.orgor contact the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation at 702-227-5700.


PHOTO IDS
1. Tony Bennett
2. Andre Agassi
3. Goo Goo Dolls
4. Celebrity chef, Emeril Lagasse
5. Kelly Clarkson
Photos by Robin Roth