With the gracious help of title sponsor Boost Mobile and the support of automotive luxury leader Lincoln, ESPN and Remy, this annual event will boast a who's who list of celebrities and sports stars including Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat), Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards), the legendary Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Michael Vick (Atlanta Falcons), Terrell Owens (Dallas Cowboys), actor Nick Cannon and actress Regina King competing for a grand prize package that includes Boost Mobile phones and service, luxury trips, Tiffany & Company custom made gifts, X-Box's and much, much more.
"The fact that this event has continued to grow in every facet is very encouraging. Last year it helped AMC, in part, grant more than $700,000 to several charities. This year, with our focus of building youth centers, the funds generated will help us meet this goal. Again, I challenge everyone to take part in this great event that Magic and I support whole-heartedly and ultimately benefits our youth," said Mourning.
The inaugural 8-Ball Challenge was held in 2005 during Denver, Colorado's All Star festivities and hosted by famed comedian, Cedric The Entertainer. Broadcast live on TNT's Post-Game show, "Inside the NBA," the event raised over $100,000 for two of the NBA's most popular and philanthropic players, Alonzo Mourning and Carmelo Anthony. Household names such as Julius "Dr. J." Erving, Ludacris, Terrell Owens, Dwyane Wade and the TNT trio of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith & Charles Barkley were on hand to watch NBA All-Star Paul Pierce take home the grand prize.
In 2006, Mourning hooked up with the legendary Magic Johnson to invade Houston and take over Jillians. Atlanta-based radio personalities, The Two Stews, were crowned the kings of the 2006 8-Ball Challenge and joined Shaquille O'Neal (Miami Heat), Sam Cassell (LA Clippers), Curtis Martin (NJ Jets), Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics) and the legendary Michael Jordan to raise more than $250,000 for Alonzo and Magic's Foundations.
Like the past two years, thirty-two (32) two-person teams will compete round-robin style with winning teams advancing until a final round of play. The Wynn's "LaFite" Ballroom will be completely transformed for the Boost Mobile Zo & Magic 8-Ball Challenge. And new to the event this year, ESPN will produce a one-hour special that showcases Alonzo and Magic's Foundations with the pool tournament and All-Star as the backdrop. Highlights from the competition as well as the final round of play will also be included in the show. This special broadcast will air during Black History Month in February.
"It's sexy, it's hot, it's entertainment at its best and it's for charity. No matter what Alonzo and I do, it's going to be fun," says Earvin "Magic" Johnson. "So, instead of us going up against each other at NBA All-Star, we decided to come together once again for Boost Mobile's Zo and Magic's 8-Ball Challenge."
Key highlights of the night will be a silent auction that features an All-Star list of items from Alonzo and Magic as well as NBA superstars Michael Jordan, Dwyane Wade and more. Other items up for bid include a Boost Mobile i885 phone with one year of free service and a Wynn Las Vegas package that includes a stay in the resort's Tower Suite, show tickets, golf, dinner and more.
Over the past three years, Boost Mobile has become an integral partner in making sure the mission of Alonzo Mourning Charities and the Magic Johnson Foundation achieve their goals by supporting the Boost Mobile Zo & Magic's 8-Ball Challenge. "Partnering on this event is one of the highlights of the year for Boost," explains Daryl Butler, marketing director -- strategic alliances, Boost Mobile. "We are able to support the important work that Alonzo and Magic's foundations do on a daily basis and understand their impact on young people through their programs. Boost is proud to be a part of this event and work with Alonzo and Magic in boosting the lives of young people in meaningful ways."
All of the net proceeds raised will benefit charities supported by Alonzo Mourning Charities, Inc. and the Magic Johnson Foundation.
A limited number of tickets for Boost Mobile Zo & Magic's 8-Ball Challenge are still available. For more information, log onto www.amcharities.org or www.magicjohnson.org
About Alonzo Mourning & Alonzo Mourning Charities
Alonzo Mourning is best known as an NBA superstar, but it's his off-the-court charitable efforts that he considers his crowning achievement. When he founded Alonzo Mourning Charities in 1997, his mission was to improve the lives of underprivileged kids in various communities. Alonzo Mourning Charities (AMC) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public fundraising foundation. AMC's mission is to provide support and services that enhance the lives of 'youth of promise'. Since 1997, AMC has raised more than $6 million for various organizations that aid in the development of children and families living in at-risk situations. In addition to supporting other non-profit organizations, Mourning has focused his attention to building youth centers. With the help of donors, Mourning opened the first center in 2003 in the historic city of Overtown, in South Florida, known as the Overtown Youth Center. For more information, please visit www.amcharities.org
Source: Alonzo Mourning Charities; The Magic Johnson Foundation
