THE ANDRE AGASSI CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Fact Sheet
FOUNDED MISSION STATEMENT 1994 The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF) was created to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The Foundation strives to assist those underprivileged, abused and abandoned children who may be deprived of basic options in life. The Foundation also offers a combination of emotional, physical and academic programs designed to enhance a child’s character, self-esteem and career possibilities. All funding is provided through direct contributions from Andre Agassi and through the AACF’s fundraising efforts. The AACF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. “I have been very blessed and had many opportunities available to me,” said Agassi, who donates not only funding but also his time one-on-one with children. “Children today face so many obstacles. If I can make a positive impact on at least one child’s life, then it has all been worthwhile.” To date, the AACF has raised more than $60 million through innovative fundraising efforts such as the Grand Slam for Children concert benefit. Held annually at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, this event attracts some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. The event historically draws a sell-out crowd of more than 10,000 including local and state dignitaries and political leaders; television and motion picture celebrities; and national and international press. Past entertainers include: Sir Elton John, Billy Joel, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Jamie Foxx, Don Henley, Sheryl Crow, Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Luther Vandross, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Gloria Estefan, Sarah McLachlan, John Mayer, Dennis Miller, Ray Romano, Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Seal, Tears for Fears, Josh Groban, Brian McKnight, and India.Arie, among others. The tenth anniversary event held on October 1, 2005 raised more than $10.1 million, with every penny going directly towards helping at-risk children in Las Vegas. The 2006 Grand Slam for Children fundraising gala is scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2006 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Sponsorship packages range from $7,500 to $75,000 and the evening includes a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, live auction and concert.
FUNDING STATUS ANDRE’S VIEW
FUNDRAISING EFFORTS GRAND SLAM FOR CHILDREN®
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ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS Because all of the operating costs for the Foundation are underwritten, no administrative or overhead costs are deducted from the money raised. Therefore, every penny goes directly towards improving the lives of at-risk youth. Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy – An independent public charter school that fosters innovation and excellence in education through academic programs designed to enhance students’ character, respect, motivation and selfdiscipline. The Academy is a K-12 prototype learning community for socioeconomically challenged students, which seeks to impart the skills and knowledge needed to achieve individual potential for college preparation. The school opened in 2001 with 150 students in grades 3-5. Today, 420 students in kindergarten, first, and third through ninth grades attend the school. Second and tenth grades will open in 2006, followed by grades 11-12, ensuring that all current students will seamlessly complete their primary and secondary education at the Academy. Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas – Offering a full spectrum of activities which reinforce educational, recreational and social growth, the club features an indoor basketball court, library, computer lab, cafeteria, Teen Center and three outdoor tennis courts. The AACF has donated over $3.5 million to the Agassi Boys & Girls Club, which was built in 1997. Furthermore, the Foundation funds a unique full-time tennis and basketball program at the Agassi Club. Assistance League of Las Vegas’ Operation School Bell – A program that provides new clothing and personal hygiene packs for needy children to encourage school attendance and build self-esteem. Operation School Bell has clothed more than 15,000 children.
BENEFICIARIES
Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Nevada – Provides a safe, family-like environment and college preparatory opportunities for youth who are at-risk, yet academically capable. Boys Hope offers a permanent residence for kids who otherwise might be living in a homeless shelter or possibly on the street.
Child Haven – A shelter that provides temporary care for abused, neglected and
abandoned children under protective custody of the court system in Southern Nevada. The AACF has provided more than $2 million to Child Haven to build the Agassi Center for Education and the Andre Agassi Cottage for Medically Fragile Children. Class! Publications – A periodical written by and for Las Vegas high school students with an emphasis on helping at-risk youth deal with teenage problems. The newspaper’s circulation reaches over 40,000 students and also publishes the art and photography of local teenagers. Cynthia Bunker and Joy McClenahan Memorial Scholarship Fund – An endowment created by the Foundation provides tuition scholarships given annually to students enrolled in the College of Fine Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. These students must demonstrate financial need and are encouraged to perform 40 hours of community service per semester.
Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation Fact Sheet
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BENEFICIARIES (CONT.) I Have A Dream Foundation – Established to create scholarships for youth who successfully complete high school and choose to advance their education, IHAD has made a pledge to provide remaining tuition balances after all financial aid packages and grant scholarships are paid. A “Dreamer” can range from kindergarten to high school age. Greater Las Vegas After-School All-Stars (presented by Inner-City Games) – An organization whose mission is to provide comprehensive out-of-school programs to keep children safe and help them achieve in school and life, the AllStars provides a variety of athletic, educational, cultural and community enrichment programs. Activities include tennis, basketball, track, golf, baseball, soccer and swimming, as well as other events such as hip-hop dance, chess, cultural arts and computer camp. Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp – Provides children ages 7 to 15 with the opportunity to acquire an appreciation of nature and to develop social interaction skills, as well as enhance physical fitness and mental well-being. All of the children come from low-income homes, some from foster care, or are physically challenged. Youth Concert Series – A program created by the Las Vegas Philharmonic that introduces youth to symphonic music at an early age to promote creativity and spark an interest in the arts. Eight concerts are performed over a span of four days for 14,000 fourth and fifth grade students in the Clark County School District, a number of whom are considered to be at-risk.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Julie Pippenger, Executive Director Julie Stipe, Marketing Director 3960 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 750 Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 (702) 227-5700 Phone (702) 866-2928 Fax www.agassifoundation.org www.agassiprep.org
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