The greatest names in sports and entertainment came together on Sunday, May 22nd at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza to celebrate the 26th anniversary of Sports Spectacular to benefit the world-renowned Medical Genetics Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Hosts John Salley, Samantha Harris and Jim Hill kept guests entertained at the annual gala dinner and silent auction which honors the country’s top sports stars in an effort to combat genetic birth defects. Over $1.3 million were raised at the event.
American Idol winner Jordin Sparks opened the evening by singing the National Anthem. This year’s honorees included NBA Star Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers who was presented his award by Michael Strahan; Olympic Gold Medalist Lindsey Vonn, who was presented her award by Ron Artest; NFL Defensive Player of the Year Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers who was presented his award by Joel Madden; and U.S. soccer star Landon Donovan who was presented his award by Tim Leiweke.
More than 1,800 prominent sports figures, entertainers, and business, civic and community leaders were on hand to support and raise funds for children suffering from genetic birth defects. Sports Spectacular raised $1.3 million at this year’s event and has raised more than $21 million to benefit the life-saving work of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Genetics Institute over the years.
Some of the famous faces present included Buzz Aldrin, Tia Carrere, Benji Madden, Summer Sanders, Alan Thicke and many more.
