What: Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation's "Grand Slam for Children."
When: 8:45 p.m. Saturday.
Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Tickets: $75, $100, $150.
Information: (702) 891-7777.
Tennis is much more than a game to many disadvantaged youth in Las Vegas.
Thanks to international sports star Andre Agassi, it has become a beacon of hope.
The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, founded by the Las Vegas resident in 1995, has raised more than $23 million with its star-studded "Grand Slam for Children."
The 2003 edition of the fund-raiser, held annually at MGM Grand Garden Arena, begins at 5 p.m. today with the traditional unveiling of the event's commemorative artwork. This year's artist is Italian Giuseppe "Pino" Dangelico, a former book illustrator who became a world renowned painter of fine art.
The unveiling will take place in the MGM's Tabu Lounge. A gala revue is the heart of the charitable event.
The showcase, featuring some of the top entertainers in the world, gets under way at 8:45 p.m. Saturday at the MGM.
Among those participating in this year's production is three-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist and special guest Sarah McLachlan.
McLachlan has sold more than 22 million records worldwide since her recording career began with her debut release, "Touch," in 1988. After a six-year break from recording, McLachlan released "Afterglow" this year.
McLachlan is no stranger to charity.
Three years ago she founded the Lilith Fair tour, an all-female concert to benefit women's causes that has raised more than $7 million.
McLachlan will join a cast of celebrities at the Agassi event that includes Sheryl Crow, Billy Joel, Elton John, Dennis Miller, Robin Williams and producer/songwriter David Foster.
The roster of celebrities who have joined Agassi's fund-raising efforts reads like a who's who of the entertainment world. Past performers have included Jay Leno, Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie and dozens of others.
The entertainers eagerly answer the personable tennis player's call for help each October. In 2001 USA Weekend Magazine honored Agassi with its annual Most Caring Athlete Award.
Agassi, 33, has won almost $24 million in prize money since turning professional in 1986.
In a prepared statement, Agassi said: "I have been very blessed and had many opportunities available to me.
"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."
Agassi once told the Sun that he and childhood friend Perry Rogers (president of Andre Agassi Enterprises) decided when they were growing up together what they would do if they ever had the opportunity.
"We always talked about how we would give back to this community," Agassi said. "The question was how and when. (Perry and I have) ... built something that has been important to us since we were in our early teens. To ask why we were motivated to give back, you would have to explain to me why you wouldn't be motivated. We've just continued a dream that started a long time ago."
On the court, Agassi is ranked No. 4 worldwide by the Association of Tennis Professionals. He won the Australian Open in January for his eighth career Grand Slam title.
Agassi married fellow Grand Slam champion Steffi Graf in October 2001. They have a son, Jaden Gil. The couple are expecting their second child in November.
Because of the impending birth, Agassi withdrew from three major European tournaments scheduled this month, including the Stockholm Open and the Tennis Masters Series in Madrid and Paris.
He is expected to enter the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup in Houston in November.
Last year Agassi's Grand Slam brought in a record $5.6 million, money that is used to help fund a variety of organizations, including:
The Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model charter school in West Las Vegas that recently began a $12 million expansion, part of a project that ultimately will cost an estimated $30 million.
Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club, a sporting facility, computer lab, library and teen center in economically depressed West Las Vegas.
Assistance League of Las Vegas, Operation School Bell, which provides clothing and toiletries for needy children.
Child Haven, a shelter that provides temporary care for abused, neglected and abandoned children.
The Las Vegas Inner-City Games, a national program of sports, education, cultural and community enrichment opportunities for children.
Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp. Provides low-income or physically challenged children an opportunity to attend summer camp.
Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Nevada. Provides a safe environment for at-risk youth.
I Have A Dream Foundation. Scholarships for young people who have completed high school and want to go to college.
Youth Concert Series, Las Vegas Philharmonic. A program that introduces youth to symphonic music.
Class! Publications. A periodical written by and for Las Vegas high school students.
Cynthia Bunker Memorial Scholarship Fund, an endowment that provides full tuition scholarships to select students enrolled in the College of Fine Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
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