Superstar Magician Criss Angel Hosts Star-Studded Gala to #HELP Make Pediatric Cancer Disappear
On Monday, Sept. 12, superstar magician Criss Angel joined forces with some of the world’s biggest stars to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research and treatment worldwide (Criss Angel, Shaunyl Benson and their son Johnny – Photo credit: Tom Donoghue).
Criss Angel and the Ladies of FANTASY on the Gold Carpet at Criss Angel “HELP”
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue.
The unforgettable evening marked the inaugural HELP gala, a one-night-only, star-studded performance created to “Heal Every Life Possible” (HELP), including Criss’ son, Johnny, and millions of other children currently suffering from cancer.
Criss Angel and Carrot Top on the Gold Carpet at Criss Angel “HELP”
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue.
Hosted exclusively at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the soiree featured world-class performances, celebrity appearances, live and silent auctions and more.
Criss Angel and Mike Tyson on the Gold Carpet at Criss Angel “HELP”
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue.
The evening opened with a dazzling gold carpet as Criss and Shaunyl Benson, Johnny’s mother, made a grand entrance with their son, thrilling the crowd as little Johnny walked down the carpet in his adorable black pants and white button-up shirt.
Lance Burton on the Gold Carpet at Criss Angel “HELP”
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue.
Also appearing on the gold carpet were critically acclaimed actor Gary Oldman; frontman of legendary heavy metal band Twisted Sister, Dee Snider; lead guitarist of award-winning rock band Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora; lead vocalist of award-winning metal band Mötley Crüe, Vince Neil; well-known rapper and reality TV star Flavor Flav; world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson; former professional baseball player Tommy Lasorda; famous stand-up comedian and actor Andrew Dice Clay.
Criss Angel and The Imagine Dragons on the Gold Carpet at Criss Angel “HELP”
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue.
More celebs included GRAMMY Award-winning rock band Imagine Dragons; critically acclaimed singer Tony Orlando; award-winning pop icon Debbie Gibson; UFC Heavyweight Champions Randy Couture and Frank Mir; former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell; lead singer of chart-topping heavy metal band Skid Row, Sebastian Bach; American actor and singer Corey Feldman; master magician Lance Burton; the world’s greatest juggler Kris Kremo; renowned singer-songwriter Orianthi Panagaris; artists from Cirque du Soleil;
Siegfried and Roy on the Gold Carpet at Criss Angel “HELP”
Photo credit: Jerry Metellus.
Additional celebrities included roller skaters from ABSINTHE Billy and Emily England; Las Vegas headliners Blue Man Group, Terry Fator and FANTASY at Luxor; MINDFREAK LIVE! stars Chloe Crawford, Mateo Amieva and Penny Wiggins; Robin Chretien, founder and designer of Robin’s Jeans; Las Vegas-based singing group The Choir Fighters and honorary guest Randi Heisler, who shaved her head for the cause.
Dee Snider, Criss Angel, Tommy Lasorda and Chuck Liddell at Criss Angel “HELP”
Photo credit: Jerry Metellus.
Using the same passion and grandeur he lends to his craft, Criss worked tirelessly to curate one of the most remarkable shows of all time. Joined by his fellow entertainers, the illusionist captivated the audience with a powerhouse lineup featuring Terry Fator, who kicked off the evening with his world-famous ventriloquist act, Blue Man Group, who delivered an unforgettable performance featuring the comical Flavor Flav, and Naenoa George from Cirque du Soleil, who astounded the audience with his breathtaking fire act.
Flavor Flav performs with Blue Man Group at Criss Angel “HELP”
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue.
Naenoa George from Cirque du Soleil performs at Inaugural “HELP” Gala
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue.
Dee Snider also joined the cause weeks in advance, releasing a new rendition of Twisted Sister’s world-famous hit “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and performing the song live at the event with Richie Sambora, Sebastian Bach and Orianthi Panagaris.
Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell and Criss Angel on the Gold Carpet at Criss Angel “HELP”
Photo credit: Tom Donoghue.
“When Criss approached me to create an anthem for this cause, I felt so honored to be part of this life-changing movement,” said Dee Snider. “In all my years performing for millions of people around the world, nothing has been more rewarding than knowing I’ve made a positive impact on these children’s lives. Pediatric cancer is truly a vicious disease and we shouldn’t take it anymore. Help us defeat childhood cancer today.”
Richie Sambora, Orianthi, Criss Angel and Dee Snider at Criss Angel “HELP”
Photo credit: Jerry Metellus.
All funds generated from the event will be donated in the effort to advance pediatric cancer research and treatment, with the hope of one day finding a cure. To learn more about the cause and how you can make a difference, please visit CrissAngelHELP.com.
Celebrated as “the most watched magician in history,” Criss Angel continues to raise awareness for pediatric cancer in his new magic spectacular MINDFREAK LIVE!, with a special act in the show dedicated to those children suffering from cancer today. Based on Angel’s hit TV show, MINDFREAK, which smashed records with more than 100 million viewers each season, MINDFREAK LIVE! showcases 90 minutes of the most unbelievable, original and thrilling illusions ever performed on stage. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit cirquedusoleil.com.