Haute Event: The Stars Celebrate the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational

Last night, sports and entertainment stars including Michael Jordan, Ne-Yo, John Smoltz, Adrian Young, Joey Fatone, Brian Baumgartner, Angie Everhart, Brett Hull, Penny Hardaway, Marshall Faulk, Roger Clemens, Andre Johnson and Brandi Chastain among dozens of others gathered at Aria n Las Vegas for the 11th annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Celebration.

Taking time from their busy schedules to support the tournament’s charitable cause, the stars smiled on the red carpet for cameras but also took time to talk and take photos with Lucas Stroud, a Make-A-Wish “wish kid” who fulfilled his dream of meeting MJ earlier in the day. Lucas spent time with many of his favorite sports heroes at the event, including Ken Griffey Jr., Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Rodgers, Terry Francona, Paul O’Neill, Matt Stafford and Joe Morgan.
He was especially excited to see Jordan who joked and talked with the family before posing for photos with Lucas alongside Ne-Yo.

At the gala inside Aria’s convention center, the celebrities dined on a gourmet selection of dishes from Barmasa, Sage, Jean Georges Steakhouse, American Fish and Sirio Ristorante.

Jordan kicked back at a front-and-center table with fiancée Yvette Prieto, who looked stunning in a floor-length, leopard-print dress and sleek pony tail. Jordan enjoyed his meal while chatting with Aria president Bill McBeath, hockey legend Mario Lemieux and his 2011 MJCI winning partner Toni Kukoc.

Pumping up the crowd, hip-hop violinist Josh Vietti gave a spectacular performance. Joined by a bevy of beautiful dancers on a stage high above the crowd, Josh performed melodies from current pop hits and unexpected numbers like the theme songs from “Sesame Street” and “The Simpsons.” Cedric the Entertainer took to the stage to deliver a hilarious performance that had MJ doubled over with laughter, before Las Vegas native and Grammy Award-winning artist Ne-Yo brought down the house with a private concert of songs including “Tonight,” “Closer” and “Because of You.”

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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