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Oct. 10, 2010
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
NORM: Emotional Agassi thanks Kerkorian
Andre Agassi paid an emotional tribute to Las Vegas gaming pioneer Kirk
Kerkorian on Saturday at Agassi's Grand Slam for Children annual megacharity
event.
With the 93-year-old Kerkorian in attendance, Agassi singled him out early
in the evening's program, which included a surprise appearance by Bill
Cosby.
Agassi revealed to the crowd of about 1,500 that Kerkorian "put bread" on
the family table during some lean years when his father worked for the
original MGM Hotel.
"You called him by his name one day, and he wore it as a badge of honor,"
Agassi said.
The tennis superstar said his middle name was Kirk in honor of Kerkorian
"because you saved my father," Emmanuel "Mike" Agassi.
"I will forever, forever, forever be grateful and I love," Andre Agassi said
to Kerkorian.
After his remarks, Agassi"s mother, Elizabeth, approached Kerkorian at his
table and said, "We would have never made it without you."
Agassi's brother, Phil, was seen with tears streaming down his face as he
thanked Kerkorian.
"When the MGM fire happened (in November 1980) and no one had a job, no one
knew Mr. Kerkorian helped us out," Phil Agassi said.
"When our dad had heart surgery in 1995," he said, "Kirk Kerkorian was big
on supporting the medical community at the time. We're still waiting for
that bill."
Kerkorian, known for his media shyness, was seen leaving his table shortly
after being honored.
Organizers said the event raised about $8.5 million, including 450
sponsorship pledges of $2,500 which were matched by the Ralph Engelstad
Foundation, which translates into annual scholarships for three quarters of
the 600 kids at the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy.
That's a half million dollars more than a year ago in a tough economy.
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or [email protected]. Find
additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
From: A. Papazian
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
NORM: Emotional Agassi thanks Kerkorian
Andre Agassi paid an emotional tribute to Las Vegas gaming pioneer Kirk
Kerkorian on Saturday at Agassi's Grand Slam for Children annual megacharity
event.
With the 93-year-old Kerkorian in attendance, Agassi singled him out early
in the evening's program, which included a surprise appearance by Bill
Cosby.
Agassi revealed to the crowd of about 1,500 that Kerkorian "put bread" on
the family table during some lean years when his father worked for the
original MGM Hotel.
"You called him by his name one day, and he wore it as a badge of honor,"
Agassi said.
The tennis superstar said his middle name was Kirk in honor of Kerkorian
"because you saved my father," Emmanuel "Mike" Agassi.
"I will forever, forever, forever be grateful and I love," Andre Agassi said
to Kerkorian.
After his remarks, Agassi"s mother, Elizabeth, approached Kerkorian at his
table and said, "We would have never made it without you."
Agassi's brother, Phil, was seen with tears streaming down his face as he
thanked Kerkorian.
"When the MGM fire happened (in November 1980) and no one had a job, no one
knew Mr. Kerkorian helped us out," Phil Agassi said.
"When our dad had heart surgery in 1995," he said, "Kirk Kerkorian was big
on supporting the medical community at the time. We're still waiting for
that bill."
Kerkorian, known for his media shyness, was seen leaving his table shortly
after being honored.
Organizers said the event raised about $8.5 million, including 450
sponsorship pledges of $2,500 which were matched by the Ralph Engelstad
Foundation, which translates into annual scholarships for three quarters of
the 600 kids at the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy.
That's a half million dollars more than a year ago in a tough economy.
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or [email protected]. Find
additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
From: A. Papazian