Las Vegas Weekly

September 17, 2008 · 11:54 AM

Stars rally again for Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children

By Robin Leach

David Foster and Andre Agassi are teaming again for the Grand Slam for Children.

Superstar singers Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow will join rockers the Killers and comedian David Spade as headliners for the 13th annual Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children benefit to be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Wynn Las Vegas. Almost 100,000 fans and VIP guests have attended the past 12 Grand Slam events, raising more than $70 million for Andre's charity.

Several other top performers and surprise guests will apparently be added to the star-studded roster when Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster returns for his 13th consecutive year as musical director.

“I’m thrilled to have so many amazing performers donate their talents to help us help children,” Andre said. “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 tennis champion added, “This year the Grand Slam for Children is being held at Wynn Las Vegas, which offers a first-class, intimate experience for our guests. The event is sure to be a hit with top exclusive entertainment at this beautiful venue.”

After years at MGM, the event has moved to a smaller venue at the Wynn. However, Wynn Las Vegas President Andrew Pascal said: “We have great respect and admiration for our friends at the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation and are proud to partner with them for the Grand Slam for Children event. Everyone at Wynn Las Vegas is delighted to host such a memorable experience and support this very important cause.”

Stewart, who has captivated generations of music fans worldwide and Crow, who has won numerous mainstream awards since emerging in the early ’90s, are making encore appearances at the Grand Slam for Children. Hometown Vegas rockers the Killers, with Brandon Flowers (vocals/keyboards), Dave Keuning (guitar), Mark Stoermer (bass) and Ronnie Vannucci (drums) and Planet Hollywood resort hotel headliner David Spade will make their event debuts.

Genworth Financial is again the presenting sponsor of the Grand Slam for Children benefit. “During the four years that Genworth has been the presenting sponsor for the Grand Slam for Children, amazing progress has been made by the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation in improving the lives of underserved children,” said Michael D. Fraizer, chairman and chief executive officer of Genworth Financial. “We are proud to be a part of that accomplishment and are looking forward to another outstanding event this year.” Since beginning in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has been distinguished by its roster of entertainers, including Barbra Streisand, Sir Elton John, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Jerry Seinfeld, Stevie Wonder, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Foxx, Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Tony Bennett, Luther Vandross, Usher, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Mary J. Blige,, Ray Romano, Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Earth, Wind & Fire, Seal, Duran Duran, Hall and Oates, Josh Groban and many others.

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