DON’T MESS WITH PHIL
TV tirades aren’t the only specialty for tough-love doc Phil McGraw. The celebrity shrink demonstrated once again that he has a pretty good grip on his tennis game as well. McGraw teamed up with pro Mark Pilippoussis at this year’s Night at the Net fundraiser. The two squared off against funnyman Jon Lovitz at UCLA to help kick off the annual Mercedes Benz Cup.
Lovitz, a longtime tennis buff and regular at the Malibu Racquet Club, gave it his all alongside 18th ranked Marty Fish. Despite their best shots, the two were outmatched.
Dr. Phil won 5-4, his third win in three years. Dr. Phil, who has paired up with legendary greats like Andre Agassi and Lleyton Hewitt in years past, put it this way: “I pick good partners.”
Also joining in the courtside festivities were Danny Aiello, Tom Green, Jillian Barberie and Paul Rodriguez, as well as locals David and Linda Foster.
But there was more than just back and forth in this event. Night at the Netters were also treated to a musical performance by songbirds Wilson Philips and a lot of laughs. Proceeds benefit MusicCares, an organization that provides financial assistance for musicians and artists in need. Smashing!
JAM-O-RAMA
That master showman Billy Crystal was simply maaahvelous as he stepped up to the plate to support the HBO All Star Family Sports Jam. Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar was packed sneaker to sneaker for the lively shindig, which benefits Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles.
Leonardo Di Caprio, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Judd, Mary Hart, Melissa Gilbert, Eric Dickerson and Rick Fox were among the VIP fans and sports superstars who got game for this high-profile extravaganza.
Guests mixed and mingled with members of the L.A. Galaxy, the L.A. Kings and the L.A. Avengers. Then came the Clipper Girls, the Laker Girls, the Amateur Skateboard League-heck, even the West Hills Shetland Pony Team was on hand.
The airport hangar was transformed into a sports fantasyland for star-studded scrimmages, daring demos and fun filled face-offs. After viewing a treasure trove of must-have sports memorabilia, you could let your inner athlete shine through by taking a shot at hockey, figure skating, basketball, football, baseball, soccer or skate boarding.
Proceeds went toward the construction of a new 280-bed facility designed to be one of the most advanced children’s hospitals in the nation. The event scored a whopping half-million bucks, which goes to prove there’s nothing like working up a good sweat for a good cause!