Celebrity Fight Night XXV
The 25th Anniversary of Celebrity Fight Night on March 23 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa drew Hollywood luminaries and honored Quincy Jones, Dr. Michael Crow, Dr. Abraham Lieberman and Renee Parsons. Preceded by the Founders Dinner on March 22, the black-tie affair included a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, dinner and live entertainment.
Lonnie Ali introduced the 2019 honorees, who joined her on stage. Dr. Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University, was honored for his work as an educator, knowledge enterprise architect, science and technology policy scholar and higher education leader. Dr. Abe Lieberman, Muhammad Ali’s neurologist, was recognized not only for his dedication and achievements, but also for his commitment to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center.
Renee Parsons was honored for her philanthropic work, resulting in life-changing services for those in underserved communities around the country. Grammy Award-winning producer, musician, composer and film producer Quincy Jones received the Muhammad Ali Entertainer Award. The artist and longtime friend to Ali thanked the doctors and researchers in the room, recognizing them as the real heroes.
Brian McKnight speaks onstage during Celebrity Fight Night XXV
Reba McEntire returned for her 15th year as emcee for the evening, which included live performances by Caroline Campbell and Michael Joseph, Michael W. Smith, Gunnar Gehl, Shari Rowe, Rita Wilson, Angelica Hale, Pia Toscano and Brian McKnight. Chris Tucker performed a comedy set. The evening closed with headliner Barry Manilow, who sang some of his greatest hits, including “Looks Like We Made It,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” “I Made It Through the Rain” and “Copacabana.”
Among the celebrity guests were George Brett, John Corbett, Bo Derek, Larry Fitzgerald, Paul Konerko, Nancy Lieberman, Nick Lowery, Harvey Mackay, Donovan McNabb, John O’Hurley, Chris Rich and Lindsay Wagner.
Celebrity Fight Night benefits the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program as well as the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, in addition to other charities. Sponsors included Parsons Xtreme Golf, USA Today Sports, Patrón Spirits, M Group Scenic, iHeart Media and GO Media.
GETTY IMAGES, COURTESY CELEBRITY FIGHT NIGHT
Pia Toscano
Jimmy Walker and John Corbett; Rita Wilson and Lonnie Ali
Skeeter Lasuzzo, Reba McEntire, Nancy Hanley and Ron Eriksson at the March 22 Founders Dinner
Bob and Renee Parsons
Barry Manilow
