Andy Roddick And Elton John Team For Charity

Andy Roddick, America’s number #1 tennis player was joined by mega superstar, Sir Elton John, in a celebrity night to remember. More than $900,000 was raised Tuesday evening, as Andy Roddick, hosted the first annual “Champions for Charity” gala in The Four Seasons Ballroom in Austin.

The evening included dinner, entertainment, and a live auction. The auction baskets were donated by the celebrities and guests who attended the event. The donors included country singer Pam Tillis, golfer Ben Crenshaw, chef Emeril Lagasse, SFX Sports Group, the USTA, BMW of Austin, and Andy Roddick himself. Also in attendance to support the Andy Roddick Foundation were Texas Governor Rick Perry and his wife Anita and Olympic Gold Medalist, Sarah Hughes.

According to Blanche Roddick, “Andy is extremely involved in charitable activities and has raised more than $1.8 million in just four years for sick, abused and neglected children.” He holds his annual fundraising event in Boca Raton, Florida, as well as year-round selling of his most recent idea, the blue “No Compromise” wristband. Hundreds of thousands have been sold to date.

Recognizing the vital role that the Andy Roddick Foundation plays in benefiting children’s charities in the Austin community, AT&T was the presenting sponsor giving a grant of $58,500 to the Andy Roddick Foundation. “The generosity of the AT&T Foundation demonstrates the corporate commitment that is essential to meet our goals in 2005 and beyond,” noted Blanche Roddick, Chairperson of the foundation with her husband, Jerry.

“The Andy Roddick Foundation helps to provide education, shelter, research and rehabilitation to sick, abused and neglected children in Austin and South Florida. This year’s recipients in Austin will be The Settlement Home, Austin Children’s Hospital, and A Glimmer of Hope Foundation.