2 of America’s biggest stars come together to benefit local Louisiana charities including A Child’s Wish.
The Shaquille O’Neal and Reggie Bush Celebrity Charity Challenge & After Party took place in New Orleans during NBA All-Star Weekend on Friday, February 15, 2008.
Bush was joined by NFL players, NBA players, and other celebrities in an effort to raise money for the 619 Fund which will grant money to various causes in New Orleans including A Child’s Wish, the Father T Foundation, Catholic Charities, and the Crescent House (a women’s abuse shelter Reggie will be building this coming year).
A former LSU graduate and future Hall-of-Famer, O’Neal holds Louisiana close to his heart. He showed that immediately following Hurricane Katrina by personally going down to the city’s ravaged areas and collecting everything from furniture, toiletries, clothes and other items to help storm victims.
“This whole weekend is about people being in New Orleans for New Orleans,” said O’Neal. “We wanted to show people coming together, celebrating what has been done and remembering that there’s still a lot to do. We also wanted to provide a way for people to contribute to what is happening here with the confidence that their money will get to the people who need it.”
Bush’s commitment to the city was evident shortly after he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. Not only has he personally donated thousands of dollars to the community, but he has also urged his national sponsors to join in.
“This is a great city with great people,” said Bush. “With the corporate and media attention that New Orleans will get during the NBA All-Star game, I wanted to make sure that there was a focus on helping the people that will be here when the parties and games are over. We’re hoping that companies see this as a fun way to get involved with the progress that is happening here. From sponsoring a team to simply making a charitable donation, there are many ways for people to make a difference.”
The Reggie Bush Celebrity Charity Challenge featured live music, food, drinks, and a pool tournament in which two celebrities will take on corporate teams for a chance to win great prizes. A live auction followed the tournament and included unique and one-of-a-kind items and experiences.
The Reggie Bush After Party directly followed the Celebrity Charity Challenge in an adjoining ballroom. The after party was spun by a nationally recognized DJ and featured entertainment from one of the country’s hottest performers.
