Spring 2011 Assist 4 Africa Softball Event!

August 11, 2011

Arizona Cardinals super star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has participated in all three of our Assist 4 Africa Celebrity Hoops games over the years.  He’s also spent a lot of time on the continent of Africa.  It seemed like a natural fit to have him serve as the official host for our 2011 event. 

 At Fitzgerald’s suggestion, we decided to have a softball game after having trouble confirming a date at US Airways Center.  He also wanted to add a comedy night and after party.  Just a few weeks earlier the Diamondbacks unveiled their new, state of the art spring training facility, which includes a stunning 11-thousand capacity baseball park, Salt River Fields.   They were thrilled to host our event.

 Larry Fitzgerald’s Double Play: Softball Game and Comedy Night took place on Saturday, April 23rd.  Fitzgerald was able to attract several big name current and former NFL stars and other professional athletes.  A few had participated in previous events; Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin and Cardinals players Steve Breaston and Dominque Rodgers Cromartie, plus former NBA guard Dan Majerle.   We also had former Cowboys star Michael Irvin and current Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin, Minnesota Vikings Defensive End Jared Allen, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings, former MLB Jermaine Dye, as well as Phoenix Coyotes Shane Doan, Keith Yandle and Paul Bissonnette.  We also had two women participate, former American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and former Destiny’s child singer LeToya Luckett.  It was a terrific high scoring softball game and everyone had a great time.

 That evening at Talking Stick Resort, just across the freeway from Salt River Fields, was the comedy night featuring Chris Spencer, David Arnold, Faizon Love, Ray Lipowski and Tony Roberts.  These comedians have performed all over the country and world as well as on national television.  They had the audience in stitches.

 Following the comedy night, an after party was held on the roof Wet Deck at W Scottsdale  It was a packed house as deejay and hip-hop legend, Biz Markie, spun the records as people mingled and had a great time.

 It was an exhausting, but fun filled day and evening as we raised money for two great causes…Partners in Malawi and the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund.