LAS VEGAS, Oct. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education (AAFE) raised more than $26.1 million, a record amount, at the 16th Grand Slam for Children benefit concert, in conjunction with our long time partner and presenting sponsor, Longines. A donation of $18 million from Kirk Kerkorian, $1.5 million from the Engelstad Family Foundation and $1 million from Windsong Trust combined with ticket sales and proceeds from a live auction accounted for the largest amount raised in a single night for the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education. The funds benefit the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (Agassi Prep), a tuition free public K-12 charter school serving students in historical West Las Vegas.
"I am both astounded and humbled by the generosity and compassion of our community, the artists, sponsors, partners and donors," said Andre Agassi. "With strong support from our presenting sponsor Longines, the Engelstad Family, Windsong Trust and a truly magnanimous gift from Kirk Kerkorian, this record- breaking evening will make a positive difference in students' lives as we continue to work to transform education."
Held Saturday, October 29 at Wynn Las Vegas, the Grand Slam featured a star-studded lineup of performers including Michael Buble, Jimmy Kimmel, Martina McBride, Smokey Robinson and Train, with surprise appearances by Gladys Knight, Signature Group and comedian Jeff Ross.
A.J. Green, a graduate of Agassi Prep, performed a heartfelt introductory song and the school's drum line started the festivities for the evening.
The Grand Slam brings together international stars and noted artists- from music to comedy - to build awareness and raise money for the Foundation's biggest fundraiser. Dedicated to transforming and elevating education, the Foundation opened Agassi Prep in 2001. In 2009, the public charter school graduated its first senior class, with 100 percent of graduates accepted into college, as were the graduates of the classes of 2010 and 2011. The Foundation's work is directly impacting students in Las Vegas, Agassi's hometown community, but it has broader implications for education nationwide.
For more information or to support the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, please visit www.agassifoundation.org.
To access concert footage, visit http://ianmcdaniel.com/agassifoundation.
About the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education
The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education seeks to transform public education in two ways. Through its signature project, the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, the Foundation works to provide underserved children in Las Vegas with a first-class K-12 education to prepare them for excellence in college and beyond. Through state and national advocacy, the Foundation strives to increase investment in, and accountability for, public schools. To support the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education or to obtain additional information, please visit
www.agassifoundation.org.
About Longines
Based in St. Imier in Switzerland since 1832, the watchmaker Longines can look back on more than 175 years of non-stop craftsmanship, as well as a solid heritage as timekeeper for world championships in various sports and collaborator with different international sports federations. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the World's leading manufacturer of horological products. With the winged hourglass as its emblem, the brand has outlets in over 130 countries. www.longines.com.
SOURCE Andre Agassi Foundation for Education
