Power of Love Gala to draw stars, honor Andrea Bocelli
It’s one of the most spectacular and star-studded charity events of the Las Vegas calendar, and this year’s 19th annual Power of Love Gala has outdone itself as the best yet with some extraordinary firsts.
Far more than a party, it’s a celebration of life that was created to raise money for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health’s programs and services. It’s the first time star chefs Giada De Laurentiis and Wolfgang Puck have teamed up for an exquisite feast of wondrous wines and creative cuisine.
It’s the first time singer Andrea Bocelli will be honored and entertain guests with a full orchestral concert led by “The Beatles’ Love” at Mirage director Greg Phillinganes. Greg was the keyboard artist and director for the 2013 Power of Love Gala with honorees Quincy Jones and Sir Michael Caine. Famed Italian actress and supermodel Isabella Rossellini plans to fly in to introduce Andrea. If the hectic air travel logistics don’t work, Giada will do the honors. Andrea will be with his wife, Veronica, who lost her own father to Alzheimer’s, for which the Keep Memory Alive charity raises funds for research and a cure at the Ruvo Center.
It’s the first time Celine Dion will sing in Las Vegas after she temporarily relinquished her residency at Caesars Palace to care for her husband and former manager, Rene Angelil, during his battle with throat cancer.
It’s the first time since Celine and Andrea’s powerful, emotional concert in New York’s Central Park in September 2011 that they will duet during the gala.
It’s the first time music stars Suzanne Somers, our Westgate Las Vegas headliner, and Robin Thicke, a Las Vegas regular, will attend. Numerous other celebrities will attend the gala June 13 at MGM Grand Garden Arena, including Quincy, past honoree Gloria Estefan, country queen Martina McBride and jazz king George Benson, all of whom also will perform; Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds; Kris Kristofferson; Siegfried & Roy; Steve Schirripa; and Clint Holmes.
“I amreally excited to perform at this year’s Power of Love Gala honoring Andrea and Veronica Bocelli,” Robin said. “Keep Memory Alive’s work in raising awareness for brain health is so important, and I’m happy to help support them.”
It also is the first time the luxurious auction that raises funds for research programs at the clinic will include packages from Andrea and Virgin Atlantic chief Sir Richard Branson. Andrea and KMA founder Larry Ruvo have donated a trip to the singer’s home in Italy.
“Shark Tank” star and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has donated use of his private 767 jet to fly the winning bidder and a guest — along with seat mates Reba McEntire, The Band Perry, David Foster and others — to Pisa, Florence, Rome, and Andrea’s estate in Forte dei Marmi for an exclusive concert.
Sir Richard is donating a week’s stay at his private paradise, the 74-acre Necker Island luxury hideaway in the British Virgin Islands. He spent $10 million and three years to turn it into one of the world’s most exclusive resorts with a 10-bedroom, Balinese-styled villa, two private beaches and personal chefs. It costs $65,000 a day to rent the place for your own vacation.
Other celebrities are donating auction packages: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf are providing private tennis lessons and a matchup; MGM Grand headliner David Copperfield is inviting four people to his Bahamas retreat at Musha Kay; celebrity chef Michael Mina is taking a group of eight on a fishing expedition; architect Frank Gehry will build a customdesigned playhouse; and Victoria’s Secret lingerie models are donating two front-row seats for their next fashion show.
Caesars headliner Mariah Carey will invite two people backstage for a meet-and-greet afterwatchingherCaesarsshow; Carlos Santana and Nickelback have donated autographed guitars from their collections; Zappos chief Tony Hsieh is hosting a lunch downtown; VIP TV producer Norman Lear will host a Beverly Hills luncheon; and the cast of “American Idol” will welcome two guests to this final season’s finale. Additionally, Cirque du Soleil will let two people choose from among “The Beatles’ Love,” “Mystere” and “Zarkana” to appear onstage as costumed cast.
Larry commented: “Look at the miracle that has been created. We’ll see 25,000 patient visits this year. We’ve expanded beyond Alzheimer’s to Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s, multiple system atrophy and other horrific brainhealth diseases.
“If it were not for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center, many of our fellow citizens would have to travel far out of town for treatment and care. I cannot say enough about the high quality of doctors and researchers who have moved here to lend their skills and knowledge to the work of the clinic. ... It’s going to be one of our greatest shows. To have Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion singing together for Keep Memory Alive will be one of the all-time highlights of Las Vegas entertainment history — and all to benefit our brain center. It speaks volumes about what Las Vegas has achieved.”
Even in Las Vegas, which has made worldwide headlines with its star-studded festivals and events, the annual Power of Love Gala tops the lot with this annual tradition of the biggest and best signature celebrity event.
Tickets are available at keepmemoryalive.org for the event, set for 5:30- 11 p.m. at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
A Philanthropic Community Leader Award will be presented during the gala to attorney Peter Bernhard, former chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission under four governors.
“Peter has been my friend and attorney for over 30 years,” Larry said. “A Harvard graduate who grew up in Las Vegas, he has a tremendous success story, and in my life I know of nobody with more ethics.
“He has been with us from the beginning of Keep Memory Alive, seen us through our trials and tribulations. He’s recognized as an incredible man who has helped us in so many ways.”