Grand Slam

Friday, Sept. 28, 2001 | 8:30 a.m.

The terrorist attacks that killed thousands of people in New York and scores more in Washington deeply wounded America. Almost every event that has taken place in the United States since the horrific occurrences of Sept. 11 has been overshadowed by the tragedy seen by millions of people on national television.

But slowly, the wounds are beginning to heal. People are realizing that life goes on, even in light of a tragic moment in American history, and there are many issues that must be addressed.

High on the list of issues are needy children.

On Saturday tennis star Andre Agassi will host his sixth Grand Slam for Children benefit at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Agassi, a Las Vegas native, says he is confident the event, sponsored by the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, will not be damaged by the terrorist acts that took place more than two weeks ago.

"I think people have concluded, as I have, that we have a personal responsibility to not allow the fear that was put into so many people's hearts to affect our way of life," Agassi said. "The best way for us to heal is to focus on the things we value and to make our children and our fellow citizens feel a sense of love and purpose."

At some point, he said, the healing needs to start.

"Saturday night will be a great opportunity for the city of Las Vegas to get back to the things we believe in," Agassi said.

Agassi said his motivation for creating his foundation and nurturing it over the years is simple:

"I'm giving back to the community," he said. "It's something I have always planned on doing. It is everyone's responsibility to give back to the greatest extent they can."

Since the benefit began in 1995, it has raised more than $14 million for a variety of charitable organizations that help children. It was, however, on hiatus last year.

"We took a year off to give our sponsors a break," Perry Rogers, Agassi's attorney and business manager, said. "We had five benefits in a row, so we took 2000 off to focus on building the Andre Agassi Preparatory Academy."

The academy, which opened last month in West Las Vegas, is for at-risk children.

Many other organizations will benefit from the more than $3 million Rogers said he expects will be raised by Saturday's event, including:

Rogers said Agassi underwrites all the expenses of the foundation that bears his name. The expenses for the benefit, which will be about $1 million, are paid for by corporate sponsors.

"All of the money raised will go to the children," Rogers said.

A recent feature story in USA Today said Agassi's Grand Slam for Children was one of the best charitable causes in the nation sponsored by a sports figure.

Rogers said he believes this year's event will be successful.

"Our table sales are at an all-time record -- we were sold out two months ago -- and our ticket sales (for theater seats) are fantastic," he said. "We will sell out. It's just great. This is really special."

Rogers said interest in the benefit "is a testament to what the American spirit really means. There are so many great stories coming out of such an evil act. You cannot hold back the American spirit."

Some of the best-known entertainers in the world have performed at the Agassi benefit in the past. This year's lineup includes Elton John, Brian McKnight, Don Henley, Tim McGraw, Dennis Miller and Ray Romano.

McKnight called the benefit "a wonderful event."

"Although (there was a terrorist attack in New York), that is not the only cause to fight for," McKnight said in a telephone interview from Los Angeles. "The (events following the attacks) put a lot of focus on the aspect of giving -- not just for the tragedies of New York, but for relief around the world. This is a great time for everyone to come together."

McKnight was in Seoul, Korea, when the terrorist attacks occurred.

"I thought somebody was playing a joke, but then I saw the second plane hit and I was horrified. It didn't seem real until two weeks later, when I came back to the United States," he said.

McKnight said the events increased his feelings of patriotism.

"There is no better place to live than in America," he said.

The benefit begins tonight with Agassi hosting the unveiling of commemorative artwork by Loppo Martinez, who will be on hand for the event, also at MGM Grand.

The art, Agassi noted, is "symbolic of the outpouring of love and caring for at-risk children."

Before the concert begins Saturday Agassi will meet 40 children from various charitable organizations, present them with tickets to the benefit and introduce them to celebrities.

While individual tickets range in price from $40-$85, the bulk of the money raised comes from the corporate sale of banquet tables -- $5,000-$75,000 -- on the arena floor and from an auction.

"So many people have committed to this event and have worked so hard," Agassi said. "I hope everyone will take this opportunity to regain control of our lives and to let the healing begin."