UFC Champion and actor Quinton “Rampage” Jackson was crowned Champion of the H.O.M.E. Foundation’s STIKS Celebrity Video Game Challenge For Charity this week, where he won $10,000 for Grassroot Soccer
On Tuesday, January 11, 2011 some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment came out to raise money and awareness for five amazing non-profits. Junior Achievement of Southern California, The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, I’m Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation, The Trevor Project and Grassroots Soccer are all organizations making a difference locally and globally, and which have strong support from the Hollywood community.
Credit/Copyright: Joe Scarnici
Photo:Joe Scarnani
“High School Musical” star Zac Efron came to the party with his cancer survivor cousin Emily Hobson – the Regional Chair for the LA Chapter of I’m Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation, the charity that Zac was there to support. Zac was emotional on the red carpet when he spoke about his "lifelong best friend "and cousin Emily being cancer free and the importance of the work that i2y Cancer Foundation does to support young adults with cancer.
12 time GRAMMY nominated hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg attended the benefit with his wife Shante Broadus and their son. Snoop expressed his heartfelt pride about his wife’s “I Am Shante” foundation’s charity work to help empower women and was excited to discuss his youth football league which he started over 7 years ago to give back to children in his community.
Credit/Copyright: Sandra McCurdy
Photo:Sandra McCurdy
Super Bowl Champion, co-host of “FOX NFL Sunday” and actor Michael Strahan attended the benefit with fiancé Nicole Murphy in support of The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which takes care of our brave servicemen and women. Michael had a personal commitment and wasn’t able to stay for his highly anticipated Madden Football video game battle against Zac Efron, but the two stars plan to schedule a rematch on behalf of The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and I’m Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation, two of their favorite charities. Michael Strahan assured the celebrity video game tournament organizers, "I’m very excited for this epic video game battle against Zac and I assure you that I wasn’t scared and dodging the “High School Musical” star at last night’s benefit. I look forward to rescheduling our Madden Football match and to waking away a Champion in honor of The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund."
The final matchup was between WWE Champion Mike “The Miz” Mizanin who represented The Trevor Project and UFC Champion and actor Quinton “Rampage” Jackson who represented Grassroot Soccer. They battled it out in a game of UFC Undisputed 2010 where Rampage played himself in the game and The Miz played UFC star Forest Griffin. There was a lot of smack talking between the two finalists and The Miz and Rampage were both intent on being victorious for their charities. Comedian Brad Sherwood (“Whose Line Is It Anyway”) was the play-by-play commentator for the final matches and was cracking jokes about both contestants that kept the crowd roaring. The finals was a best 2 out of 3 games and Rampage won the first game against The Miz in under a minute with a fierce knockout and he won the second game in under two minutes crowning him the Champion.
Frank Verdugo, President of the H.OM.E. Foundation, the event’s proud title sponsor, presented Rampage with a check for $10,000 to Grassroots Soccer onstage while the crowd went wild and cheered their Champion. Rampage said he was in South Africa while promoting his film “The A Team” last year, and he saw firsthand the devastating effects HIV and AIDS has on the people there. Rampage said that he is so moved that his win in the tournament would help Grassroot Soccer continue their incredible work to fight HIV and AIDS in Africa via education. "Grassroot Soccer is so honored that Quinton “Rampage” Jackson displayed the skills of a true champion and emerged as the $10,000 winner of the H.OM.E. Foundation’s STIKS Celebrity Video Game Challenge For Charity. This money will enable GRS to provide the knowledge, life skills and support to hundreds of African youth so they can live HIV free and make the right choices in life", says Ethan Zohn, founder of Grassroot Soccer and winner of “Survivor.” Debra Stone from TY KU presented Rampage the Champion with a special gift set, which included TY KU Asian Superfruit Liqueur, Soju Low Cal Vodka alternative (to make “skinny cocktails”) and their premium Junmai Ginjo Sake.
Soccer star Cobi Jones, actors Edwin Hodge, Aldis Hodge, Josh Henderson, Joe Torre and dancer tWitch, were all victorious in their video game battles playing on behalf of Junior Achievement of Southern California, Grassroot Soccer, The Trevor Project, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and I’m Too Young For This Cancer! Foundation. Actor Chris Evans, seen next as “Captain America” in the comic book blockbuster, came out to show his support to The Trevor Project. The red carpet was packed with stars including Mehcad Brooks, Nick Swardson, Michael Gladis, Briana Evigan, Evan Ross, Robbie Jones, Nestor Serrano, Jonathan Lipnicki, Gregory Michael, Lil C, Samm Levine, Quddus Philippe, Aubry Fisher and more who all had a great time helping to raise money and awareness for five amazing charities last night.
Guests were greeted by NikkiZ Angels’ cheerleaders decked out in Team Threadz uniforms when they entered the party while Queen’s anthem “We Will Rock You” played getting everyone in the mood for some healthy competition. Aerial artists soared high through the sky as go-go dancers had partygoers joining them on the dancefloor while DJ Cobra, accompanied by live drummer Griffin created an electrifying set. Girl group BG5 seen on the hit TV show “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” performed two songs and California rap duo, The PAPERMATE$ performed their “STIKS” theme song accompanied by two electric violinists onstage. Guests enjoyed custom cocktails provided by TY KU, and gourmet snacks and delicious desserts all in the gorgeous multi-media event space at Spot 5750. Frank Verdugo, President of the H.O.M.E. Foundation, announced the launch of their signature H.O.M.E. Foundation raffle at the party and explained to guests how they can continue support their favorite non-profits via the raffle, while winning fabulous prizes like a $1 million dream home in Los Angeles.
