Keep Memory Alive's 23rd annual Power of Love® gala at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, March 16, brought top artists and cultural icons Shania Twain, Snoop Dogg, Anthony Anderson, NE-YO, Anthony Mackie, Miguel, Leona Lewis, Bernie Williams, John O'Hurley, Pedro Capó, Greg Phillinganes, Peta Murgatroyd, and more together to honor music legend Lionel Richie and raise crucial funds and awareness for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
Also in attendance were Raiders owner and newly appointed Keep Memory Alive board member Mark Davis, former Oakland Raiders player and coach Fred Biletnikoff, "Bar Rescue" star Jon Taffer, British singer Matt Goss, jeweler Steven Lagos, singer-songwriter Clint Holmes, author Kimberly Friedmutter and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak.
After a warm welcome from Keep Memory Alive co-founders Camille and Larry Ruvo, the evening began with Siegfried Fischbacher presenting Lonnie Ali, wife of late great Muhammad Ali, with the Keep Memory Alive Caregiver Hero award. This accolade is in honor of those who have gone above and beyond to care for those who are unable to care for themselves and Ali's grace and selflessness make her a true caregiving hero.
As she accepted, she noted that she was pleasantly surprised when she learned she was receiving this award because it was the first time she'd be honored not just as Muhammad Ali's wife, but as his care partner and caregiver.
Twain presented Richie with an award in honor of his impactful musical contributions to the world and his support of Keep Memory Alive.
Twain said, "He's my buddy, my pal, he's a lifesaver and a really wonderful friend. I'm happy to be here for him. I have a personal interest in the cause. My grandmother had Alzheimer's. It's a very devastating disease and we just need more awareness." Earlier in the night on the purple carpet, she hinted to her Las Vegas return, saying "I will be singing somewhere. I wonder where that is going to be," with a telling smile.
Addressing the crowd, Richie said, "What you all are doing tonight is helping mankind and actually making a difference in the world. I'm so proud to be here tonight to share this award."
Paying tribute to Richie and his iconic catalog, Leona Lewis and Miguel performed together for the first time with a powerful rendition of "Endless Love," followed by rising Latin star Pedro Capó's sleek performance of "Running with the Night." Other memorable moments included Bernie Williams singing "Lady You Bring Me Up" before NE-YO joined him on stage for a duet of another Commodores classic, "Easy." NE-YO and Snoop Dogg had the crowd on its feet during their rousing rendition of "Brick House."
Then Richie took the stage and brought down the house with his 80’s hits "Hello" and "Dancing on the Ceiling." Shania Twain, Snoop Dogg, NE-YO, Bernie Williams, Pedro Capó, Leona Lewis, Miguel, Anthony Mackie, Anthony Anderson, Peta Murgatroyd and Jon Taffer later joined him for the finale everyone was waiting for, "All Night Long."
The evening generated the majority of annual revenue for Cleveland Clinic Nevada to provide service, care
For additional information visit keepmemoryalive.org or follow on Instagram @keepmemoryalive, Twitter @keepmemoryalive
