A-LIST ALL-STARS
Funnyman Russell Brand showed off his softer side as he cozied up with kids at this year’s “A Day of Champions” event at the L.A. Sports Museum. Fellow comedian Hank Azaria was all smiles and “Panda”’s Jack Black showed off some Kung Fu-worthy moves. They joined Billy Bob Thorton, Jon Cryer and a roster of all-star athletes to benefit the Bogart Pediatric Cancer Research Program.
The big-time bash honored William Morris Endeavor’s Adam Venit and his wife Trina Venit with the 2011 Children’s Choice Award.
It was a fun-filled family fling, which included a mouthwatering barbecue spread and a special up-close look at one of the largest private collections of sports memorabilia and collectibles in the world.
The 32,000-square-foot museum contains 30 galleries showcasing more than 10,000 prized pieces. They were painstakingly collected over a 25-year period by founder and CEO Gary Cypres. Some of the items date to the 19th century and include one-of-a-kind pieces from football, basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, boxing, biking and soccer. All are cherished pieces of sports history, with Babe Ruth’s 1934 uniform and Joe DiMaggio’s record-baseball proudly on display.
Sports fans mingled with some of the biggest names in professional, Olympic and extreme sports, including former baseball MVP and home run slugger Barry Bonds as well as the Dodgers’ Matt Kemp, former World Series MVP Dave Stewart and NBA star Baron Davis.
Cade McNown represented the NFL. BMX superstar Rick Thorne was also on the scene with Supercross pro Josh Hansen, Funny Car drivers John Force and Brittany Force, 2011 X Games Gold medalist Ronnie Faisst, pro volley ball player Morgan Beck, the WWE’s Daniel Puder and Washington Wizards wiz Nick Young.
Actor Russell Brand presented the 2011 Children’s Choice Award to Adam and Trina Venit.
Venit’s clients include locals like Adam Sandler, David Spade and Dustin Hoffman as well as Eddie Murphy, Sylvester Stallone, Diane Keaton, Hank Azaria, Lisa Kudrow and Brand.
Throughout the day, there were impressive demonstrations and challenges, which allowed fans to take on their favorite pros in basketball, football, soccer and boxing. Batting cages, a speed pitch, miniature golf, sumo wrestling and rock climbing added to the just-do-it atmosphere.
For a lot of kids and even their parents, it was the best holiday gift you could give or get.