Celebrity Fight Night

Delivering a Blow to Parkinson's

by Samantha Borenstein

Muhammad Ali's life reflects the many faces of fighting-from the supremely athletic to the intensely personal. He's battled opponents in the boxing ring, winning so many titles that he holds the unbroken record of three World Heavyweight Championships as well as an Olympic gold medal. Ali is known throughout the world as "The Greatest" boxer of all time.

Outside the ring, the Champ tapped into his fighter's spirit as he championed humanitarian causes in the developing world. He became a United Nations "Messenger of Peace" and "Good Will Ambassador" in 2000, embarked on a philanthropic trip to Afghanistan, and provided over 232 million meals to the less fortunate.

All of these extraordinary accomplishments have served as the backdrop for the most difficult challenge of all-Ali's fight for his life against an incurable illness. After he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1984, he and his wife, Lonnie, dedicated themselves to supporting the quest for a cure, in addition to their mission of facilitating tolerance and understanding among diverse people, communities and nations.

Even with the best boxing coaches, when it's time to enter the ring, a boxer must face his opponent alone. When it comes to his current fight, however, Ali isn't going solo. Helping him win the battle against Parkinson's disease are today's brightest stars, who converge each year to support Ali at the annual Celebrity Fight Night charity gala set here in Phoenix.

Celebrity Fight Night began in 1994 when Arizona businessman Jimmy Walker founded the Celebrity Fight Night Foundation with hopes of raising money for local charities through a celebrity charity event. Over the last 14 years, the benefit has raised $52 million to support the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at the Barrow Neurological Institute as well as other worthy charities.

"I'm happy to be in the same corner as Muhammad Ali," says Michael J. Fox. Like Ali, Fox is waging war on Parkinson's as well. Diagnosed with the disorder 15 years ago, Fox attended Celebrity Fight Night in 2005.

THE STARS ALIGN

Celebrity Fight Night initially focused on a fight-literally. At the first event, guest entertainers were enlisted to enter the ring and spar with oversized gloves for comedy. Phoenix Suns basketball stars Charles Barkley and Dan Majerle sparred, while local rock star Alice Copper took shots at NFL Football legend Jake Plummer a couple years later.

Over the next several years, the event grew in size and reputation. Then in 1997, Ali and his wife became involved in the Celebrity Fight Night and something magical happened. It grew into one of the nation's premier fundraising events ... and celebrities began showing support in ever-increasing numbers.

Fast-forward 15 years and the event no longer features celebrity boxing. Instead, attendees enjoy an evening of entertainment amid live and silent auctions. The money raised primarily goes to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute. This luminous evening always leaves attendees with lasting impressions. A-list guests and entertainers evoke a Who's Who in Hollywood: Donald Trump, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Reba McEntire, Kevin Costner, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Jim Carrey, Diana Ross, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Tony Hawk and Arnold Schwarzenegger have all walked down the Celebrity Fight Night red carpet.

"I loved being here tonight and what all of you did was amazing," gushed Celine Dion after her participation in the event in 2004 as the headline entertainment. "I feel honored to join Muhammad Ali at Celebrity Fight Night for this great humanitarian cause." For many stars, the evening is so much fun and the cause so close to their hearts that they return year after year.

Josh Groban, the well-known Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, has made several appearances on the stage. "Celebrity Fight Night has been so inspiring to me," says Groban who first attended in 2000 and then retuned to perform in 2007.

Grammy Award-winning, leading lady of country music Reba McEntire has served as emcee of the evening for the past several years. While on stage, she spontaneously treated guests to impromptu performances throughout the night. McEntire also does her part to raise money. In 2007, she auctioned off the chance to dine with her at her Beverly Hills mansion, which resulted in a bidding war. Hence, the star agreed to two dinners, with bidders paying a generous $250,000 dollars each.

What inspires celebrities like McEntire to participate each year? "There are lots of good, wonderful, big-hearted people at the event that I just love with all my heart," says McEntire. "I like to meet new people, and the cream of the crop is always at Celebrity Fight Night."

BIDDING WARS

Entertainment is not the only sparkling component of Celebrity Fight Night. The exciting live auction allows all attendees to join in as part of the show. Bidding wars for unique experiences are not uncommon, especially when items on the block are one-of-a-kind. From a power lunch with media mogul Donald Trump to golf with Arnold Palmer, many attend just to see what is offered ... and what it goes for.

Last year, presenter Faith Hill climbed on stage after a bighearted bidder offered $100,000 to hear her sing her hit song, "This Kiss."

Over the years, many other live auction items have caused quite a stir. Attendees have bid on dinners with Muhammad Ali, Billy Crystal and Andrea Bocelli; golf experiences with Phil Mickelson and Jack Nicklaus; and days on the movie set with the likes of Kevin Costner and Robin Williams.

At the end of the day, the event is more than just an exceptional gala. Through Celebrity Fight Night over the past 14 years, the foundation has been able to raise $52 million.

Jim Carrey attended the event in 2006. "The funny thing about coming to a place like this and giving your time or giving a little money," he says, "you end up leaving richer than when you came."

FIGHT NIGHT 2009: BIGGER THAN EVER

This year's event celebrates the 15th anniversary and promises to be bigger and better than ever. RebaMcEntire will return as the evening's emcee for her fourth consecutive year.Rock legend Jon Bon Jovi will be providing entertainment.Michael Phelps is set to receive theMuhammad Ali Sports Achievement Award and KurtWarner will be presented with theMuhammad Ali Sports Leadership Award.

Tickets for the 2009 Celebrity Fight Night are still available. Visit celebrityfightnight.org for more information or call 602.956.1121.

Samantha Borenstein is Event Manager of Celebrity Fight Night, handling everything from coordinating auction items and gift bags to making celebrity arrangements. The 2009 event will mark this ASU alumni's fourth year with the star-studded gala.

www.celebrityfightnight.org