CELEBRITY FIGHT NIGHT 2013
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanThe dreamy desert destination of Phoenix, Arizona was ‘THE’ place to be on Saturday evening, March 23, 2013, as celebrities could be seen celebrating ‘Celebrity Fight Night XIX’ at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. It was an exclusive black-tie event with silent auction, elegant dining and live auction filled with unique items. Imagine a dinner with Reba McEntire at her Beverly Hills home as special guests Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson and David Foster greet you. This package went for $800,000. A one-week vacation in romantic Tuscany with a special VIP performance by Andrea Bocelli followed by a private dinner with Bocelli went for $550,000.
This marks the 18th year of the gala event with over $80 million raised since inception and $7.2 million raised this year alone. It all went to benefit Celebrity Fight Night Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Jimmy Walker in 1994. It supports the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix as well as other worthwhile charities.
To toast the ‘Guest of Honor’, champion Muhammad Ali, only the finest cocktails and bubbly were served. Belvedere Vodka was the vodka of choice with some very interesting specialty selections throughout the evening.
The Belvedere Champion Martini, Belvedere Crimson Crush and Belvedere Fight Night Fizz were just some of the favorites being sipped.
Moet & Chandon Champagne was flowing as guests lifted their glasses to toast. Bottles of Moet & Chandon continued to pop as the night was filled with surprises.
The Emcee for the evening was GRAMMY® Award winning country artist, Reba McEntire. This is her 8th year to host the festive event. The night got started with a performance by Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers.
The guest list included the celebrities David Foster, Billy Crystal, Yank Barry, Jerry Colangelo, Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart, Bo Derek, Keith Harkin, Evander Holyfield, Mannie Jackson, Nancy Lieberman, Mario Lopez, Nick Lowery, Harvey MacKay, Joe Manganiello, Sam Moore, Frankie Muniz, Lute Olson, Chris Rich, Ralph Sampson, Kevin Sorbo, Verne Troyer and Kenny Williams.
Performers included Billy Ray Cyrus, American Idol finalist Haley Reinhart, actress and musician Rita Wilson and X Factor winner Tate Stevens.
Guests were talking about the most unforgettable performances of the evening. With energetic dance moves and a powerful voice to accompany, Jennifer Lopez gave her fans five of her hits; ‘My Love Don’t Cost A Thing’, ‘Get Right’, ‘Club Tropicana’, ‘Let’s Get Loud’ and ‘On The Floor’. The stage was filled with a magnetic energy.
Andrea Bocelli joined Jennifer on stage as they sang a duet ‘Quizás, Quizás, Quizás’. The sounds were so sweet.
Legendary Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, also sang his rendition of Elvis Presley’s ‘Love Me Tender’ as well as ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ and ‘Funicoli Funicola.’
The awards ceremony was emotionally moving as Muhammad Ali took his place on stage. Mario Lopez presented Jennifer Lopez with a humanitarian award for her work with the Lopez Family Foundation helping to bring medical care to children around the globe. Also receiving an award was funny man, Steve Martin, and philanthropist and owner of the Washington Companies, Dennis Washington.
The final toast with Belvedere Vodka and Moet & Chandon Champagne brought the evening to a culminating close but not before a special video tribute to Muhammad and Lonnie Ali from the legendary icon, Paul McCartney.
This is the type of memorable evening that champions are made of.
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images
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