Agassi's Grand Slam For Children Raises $6.1 Million

(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
Andre Agassi and a superstar lineup of entertainers took the stage on October 2 at the Grand Slam for Children in Las Vegas, presented by Aramis and Designer Fragrances to benefit at-promise youth organizations in Southern Nevada. The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF) raised more than $6.1 million during the weekend benefit, which featured a black-tie VIP dinner, live auction and concert held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

More than 5,300 fans turned out to see performances by India.Arie, Josh Groban, Faith Hill, John Mayer, Tim McGraw, Ray Romano and Robin Williams. Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster served as the musical coordinator for the ninth year.

"Once again, I am overwhelmed by the ongoing support the Grand Slam for Children receives each year from fellow Las Vegans, national business leaders and the entertainment industry," Agassi said. "It is gratifying to know that the money we raised tonight will directly benefit children who require our immediate assistance."

More than 2,200 VIPs and corporate sponsors attended a pre-concert reception and dinner. Following the pre-event celebration, the AACF hosted a live auction with items including a private tennis clinic with Agassi and Stefanie Graf; dinner with Robin and Marsha Williams; a custom-designed meal prepared and served by Chef Emeril Lagasse in New Orleans; and a trip for eight to an exclusive private villa in Anguilla, West Indies.

The Grand Slam for Children concert fundraiser benefits the AACF, a not- for-profit organization established in 1994 to assist at-risk youth in Las Vegas, where Agassi was raised. More than 77,000 fans and VIP guests have attended nine Grand Slam events, raising more than $42.2 million for charity.

Specific charities benefiting from the AACF fund raiser include: The Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club; Assistance League of Las Vegas' Operation School Bell; Child Haven; Cynthia Bunker Memorial Scholarship Fund; The Las Vegas Inner-City Games; Class! Publications; Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp; Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Nevada; I Have a Dream Foundation; and the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model charter school in West Las Vegas.

Since its inception in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has had performances by : Sir Elton John, Robin Williams, Don Henley, Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Gloria Estefan, LeAnn Rimes, Celine Dion, Babyface, Dennis Miller, Stevie Nicks, Lionel Richie, Martina McBride, Jamie Foxx, Carlos Santana, Rod Stewart, India.Arie, Luther Vandross, Seal, Vanessa Williams, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tim McGraw, Wynonna, Jay Leno, Clint Black, Ray Romano, Mick Fleetwood, Amy Grant, Marc Cohn and The Boys Choir of Harlem. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen