Look To The Stars News: Steve Nash Foundation

Steve Nash Brings Soccer Magic To New York

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:30:00 -0000

While Euro 2008 was reaching its climatic final stages in Europe, American soccer fans enjoyed a match dubbed the Showdown in Chinatown in New York City last night, in which professional football players went head-to-head with NBA stars for charity.

Organized by the Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash, the game featured appearances from Barcelona forward Thierry Henry, Red Bulls midfielder Claudio Reyna, former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler, and NBA players Baron Davis, Jason Kidd, Raja Bell, and Leandro Barbosa.

“We want to play just like we do in basketball,” said the NBA’s Baron Davis before the game. “I know that we can win if we outscore the other team.”

But outscore them they didn’t. The soccer players’ side outclassed the NBA players in all aspects of the game, with Henry teasing his opponents with his usual skills and theatrics, such as juggling the ball for 20 yards at a time or balancing it on his head. The footballers eventually won the 60-minute game, 9-4.

Although the game was free to attend, donations were taken for the Steve Nash Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps underprivileged children in their health, personal development, education and enjoyment of life.

“Football and my foundation are two of my big passions,” said Nash. “And the chance to bring together guys like Thierry and Baron and Jason and Claudio [was] a lot of fun.”

Steve Nash Celebrity Roast a Success

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:03:03 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On October 12, 2007, at Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho, Steve Nash hosted his inaugural Celebrity Roast to benefit the Steve Nash Foundation. More than 200 guests shelled out $1,500 each to attend a poolside dinner, celebrity shoot-out, a silent & live auction, and special concert by Grammy winner John Legend.

“Roast me, toast me," said Nash before the event, “Our new platform in Phoenix is education, primarily for at-risk kids." Nash, who was just named one of 2007’s Most Caring Athletes by USA WEEKEND, remains humble and sincere even when being roasted by his celebrity guests. Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky took to the stage and roasted his fellow Canadian. “In Canada, for basketball, Steve has done what Tiger Woods has done for golf in the US,” praised Gretzky. Nash was also praised by Raja Bell, Sun great Eddie Johnson, his coaches- Dick Davey from Santa Clara University and Sun’s coach Mike D’Anotoni, and former Sun Dan Majerle, who was the first to arrive: “Steve is a great guy,” said Majerle. “He’s been called the greatest basketball player ever to come out of Canada. But can anybody name anybody else? Seriously?" asked Majerle. Suns teammate Raja Bell: “Phoenix has benefited tremendously from having him (Nash) here and will continue to do so," Bell said. ”He’s a tremendous asset to the city."

Guests enjoyed a four-course poolside meal prepared by celebrated chef Charles Wiley while listening to Grammy Award winner John Legend perform. Legend set the ambiance with his smooth vocals and piano playing before taking part in the ‘celebrity shootout’. Hugo Boss president and CEO Tony Lucia offered to donate $200 for every basket made during the chaotic 45-seconds. NBA players and celeb’s lined up to take shots, but Legend was a bit hesitant. “I like to follow the games, especially during the play-offs,” said Legend. “But, I only occasionally play because I’m not that fast or that tall.” After a little prodding, Legend took the ball and contributed two of the 40 shots made, raising a total of $8,000 from Lucia.

Steve’s sister, Joann Nash, said that her brother is low-key. “He’s pretty goofy and has known to be a little funny after a few cocktails,” she said. “But, he’s never done anything too embarrassing.” Nash had a chance that evening, when Walt Brown, CEO of Diversified Partners, tried to entice someone to bid on the chance to see Suns star Shawn Marion and Nash jump in the pool. He told guests, “What happens at the Valley Ho stays at the Valley Ho.” Unfortunately, there were no takers.

Auction item included trips to Italy, the Masters Golf Tournament and a San Diego Chargers home game, but the most coveted item wasn’t listed as ‘up for bids’. During the silent auction, Jeff and Stacey Feinberg spontaneously bid $60,000 to have Nash sit with them during a break in the show, adding a delightful twist to very successful charity event.

Formed in 2001 and given charitable status in 2004, the Steve Nash Foundation is a 501©(3) organization dedicated to assisting underserved children in their health, personal development, education and enjoyment of life. Like its NBA MVP founder, the Foundation is fast becoming a leader in assists to a slightly shorter population.

Through grants to public service and nonprofit entities, the Foundation aims to grow health in kids by funding projects that provide services to children affected by poverty, illness, abuse, or neglect, and create opportunity for education, play, and empowerment. The Foundation focuses its resources on communities in Phoenix, Arizona, and British Columbia, Canada, but has recently begun to expand its scope to include areas of high need in other countries.

The Inaugural Steve Nash Celebrity Roast to Benefit The Steve Nash Foundation

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:47:03 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Steve Nash, leader of the Phoenix Suns and two-time NBA MVP, leads by example both on and off the court, and now, spectators can enjoy a memorable night with the NBA star while supporting his foundation.

The Inaugural Steve Nash Celebrity Roast will take place Friday, October 12th, 2007, at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale Arizona. Benefiting the Steve Nash Foundation, proceeds from the Roast will stay in Arizona, where the Foundation’s primary initiative is focused on improving the lives of children through high-quality early development and education programs.

The Roast will include an unforgettable dinner and dessert created by award-winning chef Charles Wiley, celebrity guests, a live auction, a poolside concert, and musical entertainment by non-other than five-time Grammy winner and multi-platinum singer John Legend.

Nash began the Foundation to focus on a cause close to his heart, children. Its mission reflects Steve’s genuine compassion for kids and his continued dedication of giving back to the community.

“I started this Foundation because I really felt the need to try to help people.” Nash said, “As a professional athlete, you are in a position and given the opportunity to really have an impact on more than just your immediate surroundings. For me to be able to do that is something that’s sometimes challenging, but always worthwhile.” Worthwhile and then some! Nash has certainly made more than ‘just’ an impact on his immediate surroundings, aside from paying for a new pediatric cardiology ward in a Paraguayan hospital, in May of 2006, he was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

To reserve your spot for this memorable and unique Celebrity Roast fundraiser and support Nash’s ongoing efforts of giving back to the community, contact Mike Patterson for group tickets, or call: 1-877-341-NASH (6274) x230, or email: mikep@visioncompanies.com. This is one event I wouldn’t miss for the world.

Formed in 2001 and given charitable status in 2004, the Steve Nash Foundation is dedicated to assisting underserved children in their health, personal development, education and enjoyment of life. Through its own initiatives, as well as grants to public service and nonprofit entities, the Foundation aims to grow health in kids by affording access to health and education for children affected by poverty, illness, abuse, or neglect. The Foundation focuses its resources on communities in Phoenix, Arizona, British Columbia, Canada, and the country of Paraguay. For more information, please visit www.stevenash.org

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