Ever since we got the first announcement about Celebrity Fight Night, it has been on my bucket list to attend this epic event. I promise one day I will be among the guests one of these years. This is, in my opinion, the fanciest night of the year here in Arizona. Celebrities fly in from all over the world to attend, and on March 18th you can be among them.
Back in 1994, longtime Arizona resident and businessman Jimmy Walker established the Celebrity Fight Night Foundation to support the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, as well as several other charities. Celebrity Fight Night attracts first class celebrities, from athletes to musicians, actors and actresses and artists. This special event is full of A class entertainment and always raises an impressive amount of money for its charities.
What Can You Expect From the 2017 Celebrity Fight Night XXIII: Celebrating Ali?
It was just announced that Harrison Ford will be honored this year with a special tribute that will take place at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. The Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Awards we established to recognize leaders in the sports, entertainment and business communities who best exemplify the characteristics associated with the Champ and his fight to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Previous recipients of this prestigious award include Halle Berry, Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Howard Schultz, Jennifer Lopez, Steve Martin, Joe Montana, Tony Hawk, Robert De Niro, Kevin Costner, Magic Johnson, Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, Jim Carrey, Forest Whitaker, Clive Davis, Larry King, Jack Nicklaus, Emmitt Smith, Wayne Gretzky, Michael J. Fox, Michael Phelps, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Evander Holyfield just to name a few. That is some serious company!
The charming and entertaining Reba McEntire will return as the events emcee. David Foster, renowned music producer, will also reprise his role as the events musical director. This year will include a special tribute to the late Muhammad Ali with commentary from Billy Crystal, Sharon Stone and Larry King. Muhammad Ali accepted an invitation to attend the event after its third year, he helped to put the now legendary event on the map and Celebrity Fight Night is honored to have had him as an honored guest for the past 20 years. There is no doubt that his presence will be felt by all in attendance.
Celebrity Fight Night XXIII will feature on-stage appearances and entertainment by David Foster, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Caroline Campbell, Colbie Caillat, The London Essentials, Mike Love, Brian McKnight, Dennis Quaid, Smokey Robinson, and The Shadowboxers. Additional expected attendees include Lonnie Ali, Laila Ali, Melissa Peterman, Larry Fitzgerald, Carson Palmer, Earnie Shavers, Nancy Lieberman, Verne Troyer, Michael Carbajal and more.
Serious Fundraising
Over the past 22 years, the event has raised over $127 million that has benefitted the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute along with other worthy charities. The exclusive black-tie event features a cocktail reception, silent auction, an elegant and unforgettable dinner and an exciting live auction that includes one-of-a-kind luxury items and experiences.
Ready to Get Your Tickets?
Individual tickets are available and range from $1500 to $5000 and can be purchased online or by calling 602.956.1121. This is an exclusive and unique experience that is well worth the price tag and you’re helping to support a worthy cause. You only live once, so make it count!
See you there…one of these years!
If you are looking for the best and latest in Arizona restaurant and culinary news, please make sure to sign up for our newsletter, give us a like on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram to make sure that you never miss a bite!
© Taryn Jeffries 2017