Look To The Stars News: Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation

Andre Agassi Grand Slam For Children Raises $26 Million For Charity

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education (AAFE) raised more than $26.1 million, a record amount, at the 16th Grand Slam for Children benefit concert this weekend, in conjunction with partner and presenting sponsor, Longines.

A donation of $18 million from Kirk Kerkorian, $1.5 million from the Engelstad Family Foundation and $1 million from Windsong Trust combined with ticket sales and proceeds from a live auction accounted for the largest amount raised in a single night for the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education. The funds benefit the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (Agassi Prep), a tuition free public K-12 charter school serving students in historical West Las Vegas.

“I am both astounded and humbled by the generosity and compassion of our community, the artists, sponsors, partners and donors,” said Andre Agassi. “With strong support from our presenting sponsor Longines, the Engelstad Family, Windsong Trust and a truly magnanimous gift from Kirk Kerkorian, this record- breaking evening will make a positive difference in students’ lives as we continue to work to transform education.”

Andre Agassi And Friends Raise $8.5 Million At Charity Grand Slam

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0000

As reported by LookToTheStars.org last week, Andre Agassi hosted his star-studded Grand Slam For Children on October 9. The event saw a host of famous faces hit the stage, and raised a massive $8.5 million for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation’s educational work.

Among those to perform were Elton John, Jason Mraz, Jennifer Hudson, Rob Thomas, David Foster and Bill Cosby, and an auction feature items donated by Katie Couric, Michael Phelps, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, Robin Williams, Wayne Gretzky and many more.

The live auction saw a personal dinner with Robin Williams go under the hammer for 6 people at $100,000 each. Lars Ulrich’s drum lessons went for $35,000, and a trip with Freida Pinto to India went for $75,000.

Elton John And Friends To Rock Andre Agassi's Charity Bash

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Elton John, Jason Mraz, Jennifer Hudson, Rob Thomas, David Foster and Bill Cosby will perform at Andre Agassi’s Grand Slam for Children on October 9.

The annual event supports the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation’s efforts to transform education and benefits the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (Agassi Prep), a K-12 public charter school in Las Vegas that strives to provide children with a first-class education. Hosted by tennis legend and philanthropist Andre Agassi and presented by Genworth Financial, the 2010 Grand Slam for Children will take place Saturday, Oct. 9 at Wynn Las Vegas.

Celebrating its 15th year, the Grand Slam brings together international stars – from music to comedy – each year to build awareness and raise money for the Foundation. Dedicated to transforming education, the Foundation opened the Agassi Academy in 2001; in 2009, the public charter school graduated its first senior class with 100 percent of graduates accepted into college. The Foundation’s work is directly impacting students in Las Vegas, Agassi’s hometown community, but it has broader implications for education nationwide.

Elton John And Rob Thomas To Rock Andre Agassi Charity Bash

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Andre Agassi has lined up some major stars for his annual Grand Slam for Children to be held later this year, with Elton John and Rob Thomas both announced as performers.

“Reaching our 15th Grand Slam is an incredible milestone, and the support we’ve gotten from both the artists and those involved with our Foundation have made that possible,” said Andre Agassi. “We’re honored that Elton & Rob will headline this special anniversary night, ultimately helping us make a difference in the lives of Agassi Prep students.”

Agassi Lines Up Grand Slam for Children

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Dane Cook, Daughtry, Tim McGraw and Brian McKnight will headline the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation’s 2009 Grand Slam for Children benefit concert.

The 14th annual concert boasts Grammy award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster as Musical Director, and Andre Agassi will be there to host the event.

“Each year, the stars align and donate their talents to celebrate our achievements and support our work in education,” said Agassi. “This year’s Grand Slam for Children promises to be an incredible night of entertainment that benefits Agassi Prep and allows us to create opportunities that change children’s lives.”

Tim McGraw To Headline Andre Agassi Charity Event

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Andre Agassi has announced details of this year’s Grand Slam For Kids charity event.

The event will take place on September 26 in Las Vegas, and will feature Tim McGraw as the headline act.

Join Andre Agassi At The US Open For Charity

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Want to watch the US Open with Andre Agassi in August? Now is your chance – and you’ll be helping a great charity as well.

The tennis star is selling tickets to the opening ceremony and men’s and women’s first round single matches that include:

The use of a US Open luxury suite – the air-conditioned suite is

Andre Agassi Plays Charity Tennis In Paris

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Stefanie Graf and Andre Agassi joined young tennis talents from ten different countries to play eight matches in Paris on Saturday, June 6.

Despite the rain, both the children and the two champions were enthusiastic. At the end of the session, Longines – for which the two tennis legends are Ambassadors of Elegance – donated US$ 80,000 to their two charity foundations – the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation and Children For Tomorrow.

This was followed by a splendid gala evening at the Pavillon Cambon Capucines. Between the gastronomical dinner prepared by one of Switzerland’s leading chefs and the musical entertainment provided by the singer Arielle Dombasle, two timepieces specially created by Longines to mark the occasion were auctioned off and, with the money raised in the morning, made the grand sum of $US220,000, which will be entirely donated to the two former tennis champions’ charity organizations.

Andre Agassi To Play Kennedy Funding Invitational

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Tennis legend Andre Agassi, a favorite among fans and players throughout his 20+ year career, will appear at The Kennedy Funding Invitational, a charity tennis tournament to raise awareness and funding to fight breast cancer.

The fourth annual event will be held July 8-12 at Dellwood Country Club in New City, NY. In addition to Men’s and Women’s tournaments, the Cole Schotz Celebrity Match has become a highlight of the annual festivities. The Celebrity Match will be on Sunday, July 12 at 4:00 pm.

A limited number of tickets are available to the Andre Agassi match at $100 each. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Seating is limited and tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for the tournament matches are free and can be obtained by visiting the tournament’s official website at www.thekennedyfundinginvitational.com.

Cream Of The Christmas Celebrity Charity Auctions

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again when most of us are looking for the perfect gift for those we love, and Look To The Stars wants to make the choice a little easier for you by highlighting some of the great celebrity items up for grabs in the name of charity.

Born-to-run fans of Bruce Springsteen will be revving their engines to get hold of the rocker’s very own Harley Davidson this Christmas. The customized Fatboy motorcycle is up for grabs to benefit the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, the charity founded in 1994 by former professional tennis player Andre Agassi and dedicated to transforming U.S. public education for underserved youth.

“This is my Harley Davidson Fatboy FXFSTF,” said Springsteen. "I bought this bike from a friend in 1993. I did some light customizing and put 9,000 happy miles on it on the backroads of New Jersey. It’s got straight pipes, a McConey carburator, HD saddlebags, custom handle bars, forward controls and foot pegs. It’s extremely reliable and a great cruiser. So, if you’re “Born to Run,” this bike’s for you!"

Andre Agassi's Grand Slam A Success

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Sheryl Crow, Natasha Bedingfield, The Killers, Lifehouse, Ray Romano, Rod Stewart and David Spade were among the performers at the 13th annual Agassi Grand Slam for Children benefit concert in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The concert raised funds for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, which provides recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls, and was preceded by an invitation-only concert on Friday that featured James Taylor and Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik.

Among the 1,900 guests at Saturday’s Grand Slam were Stefi Graf, Mariah Carey and her husband Nick Cannon, the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, Donny Osmond, comedian George Wallace, and many more.

Andre Agassi Grand Slam For Kids This Weekend

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, The Killers and David Spade will headline the 13th annual Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children benefit concert in Las Vegas this weekend.

“I’m thrilled to have so many amazing performers donate their talents to help us help children,” said Agassi. “We look forward to celebrating with our partners what we’ve accomplished in Las Vegas with the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy and our future efforts to transform public education for underserved children nationwide.”

The concert will raise funds for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, which provides recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The concert will be preceded by an invitation-only concert tonight – October 10 – featuring James Taylor and Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik.

Agassi And Graf Host Hamptons Charity Dinner

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Tennis aces Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf played host and hostess of a dinner benefitting The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation last weekend.

This summer marks the Hamptons debut of tennis power couple Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, who have been vacationing in the posh Long Island community with their children. But it is not all fun and games. They are also there to raise awareness and funds for The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation.

Last Saturday night, the couple hosted A Night in the Hamptons – a benefit dinner that drew the attendance of other celebrities such as Lorraine Bracco. Chevy Chase and Kelsey Grammer emceed the event, and singer Rob Thomas performed. “It’s inspiring, what he’s doing,” Thomas said of Agassi’s charity work.

Andre Agassi Plans Star-Studded Galas

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik will join James Taylor for a special VIP event to raise money for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation.

Andre Agassi’s 2008 Grand Slam for Children will take place on October 11 at Wynn Las Vegas and feature a concert by Grammy-award winning singer Sheryl Crow, with other performers to be announced soon. However, the gala will be preceded the previous night – October 10 – by a special show featuring Ondrasik and Taylor for Gold and Diamond sponsors.

The Grand Slam shows will follow the charity’s annual A Night In The Hamptons event on August 16 at Ross School. The evening will be hosted by Agassi and will include dinner, a live auction and a special performance by Matchbox 20’s Rob Thomas. Emcees for the evening will be Chevy Chase and Kelsey Grammer. The event is limited to 35 table sponsorships at $35,000 each, with 10 seats per table. Individual seats are also available at $3,500 each.

Andre Agassi To Serve At Charity Match

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Tennis great Andre Agassi has been confirmed to play at a charity match at the Sherwood Country Club in California in September.

The Bryan Brothers’ All-Star Tennis Smash will take place on September 27, and will benefit local and national charities. It is the first event to benefit The Bryan Brothers Foundation, an organization set up by the top-ranked doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan, both of whom play for the US Davis Cup team and will compete at the Beijing Olympics next month.

“We were thrilled when Andre committed to play at our event,” said Bob Bryan. “On the court, he’s of course long been a hero of ours. Off the court, he’s been a mentor to us as we’ve watched him build the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation.”

Time's 100 - Tribute To Andre Agassi By Andy Roddick

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:26:29 +0000

Tennis star Andy Roddick wrote about Andre Agassi’s generous spirit for this year’s Time 100 list:

“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” —Arthur Ashe

“Arthur could well have been talking about Andre Agassi. We are all aware of his tennis accomplishments, the brilliance and flash of his career. It’s impossible to forget his epic U.S. Open victories, and also—though he might want us to forget—the mullet and acid-washed jeans. But the greater challenge for an athlete is to have a positive impact away from the cameras. I’ve been privileged to witness firsthand Andre, 38, do just that.

12th Annual Andre Agassi Benefit Concert Raises More than $9 Million for Children

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 19:01:00 +0000

The 12th Annual Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children Benefit Concert presented by Genworth Financial proved to be a raging success last weekend, raising more than $9 million for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. The AACF raised $8.1 million through ticket sales and a silent auction, while Charles Heers, owner of Tuscany Suites & Casino in Las Vegas pledged an additional $1 million to bring the total to $9.1 million.

“I am grateful that there are so many people dedicated to helping kids,” Agassi said. “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 star-studded concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on October 6th attracted more than 8,200 fans who enjoyed live music by Tony Bennett, Kelly Clarkson, Matchbox Twenty and George Wallace. Several surprises throughout the night included performances by Jerry Seinfeld, the Goo Goo Dolls and Hall & Oats. Fans were also treated to a fantastic performance from Carlos Santana and Matchbox Twenty front man Rob Thomas, who teamed up to close the evening with their multi-Grammy Award- winning hit “Smooth.”

Oprah Tops Celebrity Philanthropy A-List

Sat, 12 May 2007 08:24:00 +0000

A list of the 30 largest public donations made by celebrities in the past year puts Oprah in the top spot.

The Giving Back Fund, which encourages and advises on celebrity philanthropy, compiles its list each year. President Marc Pollick said, “Encouragement-by-example is the main reason for the Giving Back 30 list.”

Oprah gave $58.3 million to Oprah’s Angel Network and her recently-opened Leadership Academy.

Priceless Piano on Auction at the David Foster and Friends Charity Gala

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 11:44:29 +0000

Over 60 superstars have signed David Foster’s one-of-a-kind Yamaha grand piano, which will be auctioned live and via the internet during the 2006 David Foster and Friends Gala.

The piano has been used in dozens of major performances including shows in Las Vegas, a recent performance at David’s home by Barbra Streisand, Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night to benefit the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, and Andre Agassi’s Grand Slam for Children benefitting underprivileged and abused children through the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation.

Some of the celebrities who have signed the piano are Barbra Streisand, Céline Dion, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Sting, Tim McGraw, Robin Williams and Donald Trump.