Celebrity Fight Night in Italy Raises $12.5 Million in Second Year

Photo Credit: Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night

After finding success in its first year, “Celebrity Fight Night in Italy” with Andrea Bocelli returned for its follow-up act in a big way, raising $12.5 million to benefit The Andrea Bocelli Foundation and The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center.

Upon arrival in Florence on Thursday, September 10, guests were reated to a cocktail reception and live entertainment from the renowned chamber musicians of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino at the new boutique of Florentine watchmaker Officine Panerai adjacent to the iconic Il Duomo Cathedral.  Then, Andrea Bocelli welcomed guests to the Panerai sponsored dinner in the Accademia Gallery under the gaze of the most famous sculpture in the world, Michelangelo’s David.  Award-winning Italian pianist and singer Raphael Gualazzi provided musical accompaniment for the evening.

On September 11, after a day of personal exploration in Florence, guests left for the scenic drive to the coastal resort town of Forte dei Marmi, where Andrea and Veronica Bocelli welcomed everyone into their home for an unforgettable night. Cartier presented the evening that included a beach sunset aperitif at Bagno Annetta, a gourmet dinner, and memorable entertainment. David Foster led performances by Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, The Band Perry, Ronnie Dunn, Chris Tucker, Leona Lewis and Jackie Evancho.

The pinnacle of the seven day experience was the featured gala on September 13, where guests walked the red carpet in the historical Salone dei Cinquecento at the Palazzo Vecchio.  Andrea Bocelli, along with the extraordinary orchestra of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino under the direction of living legend conductor Maestro Zubin Mehta, headlined the evening.  Reba McEntire and Sharon Stone received the Andrea Bocelli Humanitarian Awards on stage during the evening.  They were joined at the gala by Ronnie Dunn, The Band Perry, David Foster, Larry King, Leona Lewis, Jackie Evancho, Zubin Mehta, 2CELLOS, David Garrett, Jo Champa, Maria Katzarava, Carly Paoli and Raphael Gualazzi.

The following day, guests were welcomed into the Antinori nel Chianti Classico winery, where they became part of an adventure that winds through six centuries of a passionate history of producing wine.  This unique winery, which proudly recognizes Antinori’s social value, was built with local materials and with great respect for the environment and the Tuscan landscape.  Dinner was presented in the stunning underground aging area call Barriccaia under terracotta high vaults, and will feature a live performance by The Band Perry.

As a result of the funds raised by this second edition of Celebrity Fight Night in Italy, The Andrea Bocelli Foundation will build two more schools in remote communities in Haiti, providing education to 2,550 children.  The foundation will also contribute funds to assist with food and healthcare in these impoverished neighborhoods. The five day experience was sponsored by  Keep Memory Alive, PEAK6 – Best Marble, Cartier, Officine Panerai, Ermanno Scervino, Stefano Ricci, Antinori, Jeep, Nikki Beach and Ca’ del Bosco.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night