On Saturday, October 1, 2005, right after her show at the Caesar's Palace, Celine Dion performed during the 10th Grand Slam for Children at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. She also spoke during a news conference before the event in the afternoon.
The fundraiser, presented by Genworth Financial, benefits the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation established in 1994 to assist underprivileged children. The foundation has raised nearly $50 million since the first Grand Slam event.
Celine Dion joined the Agassi benefit's most crowded roster to date: Mary J. Blige, Duran Duran, Earth, Wind & Fire, Glenn Frey, George Lopez, Robin Williams... Some of the performers also featured backing by music producer David Foster and an orchestra.
"It's not about being nice or generous," Celine Dion said. "I think it's -- how do we say it? -- a responsibility. I don't think it's given to everyone to give a million dollars or build schools for children," as Agassi has with his charter school, the Andre Agassi Preparatory Academy. "But if we are given the opportunity, it's so rewarding to be able to make a difference."
Celine Dion's participation also makes her the rare Las Vegas-based performer at the benefit. She first sang at a "Grand Slam" in 1997, long before "A New Day" debuted in March 2003.
Celine Dion sang Love can move mountains.
