Las Vegas Weekly

September 30, 2009 · 7:34 AM

Andre Agassi receives matching donation of $7.5 million

By Robin Leach

Andre Agassi, Faith Hill and Chris Daughtry at the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education's Grand Slam for Children benefit concert at the Wynn on Sept. 26, 2009.

Photo: Denise Truscello/WireImage

No sooner had tennis champion Andre Agassi announced that his weekend Grand Slam for Children had raised just under $8 million for his Foundation for Education than another supporter stepped forward to nearly match it!

The miracle gift of a $7.5 million commitment over the next five years comes from the Engelstad Family Foundation, known locally as very generous Las Vegas philanthropists.

Ralph Engelstad owned several casino operations across America, including the Imperial Palace here on the Strip. He died in 2002 after a lengthy lung cancer battle but saw his dream come true for the $110 million Ralph Engelstad Arena at his alma mater, the University of North Dakota.

Click HERE for our weekend coverage and photo galleries of Andre’s 14th annual Grand Slam fundraiser at Wynn Las Vegas with a star-studded lineup that included Lionel Richie, Tim McGraw, Dane Cook, Daughtry, Brian McKnight, Macy Gray, Frank Caliendo and Charice Pempengco under the musical direction of David Foster.

The concert featured two surprise duets by Daughtry frontman Chris Daughtry with Tim and Dane. Also in attendance were Marie Osmond, Tony Hawk, Chazz Palminteri and Emeril Lagasse. America’s Got Talent winner and Mirage headliner Terry Fator also performed at a pre-Grand Slam show.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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