Superstars Lionel Richie, Shania Twain, Snoop Dogg and More Appear at Keep Memory Alive’s 23rd Annual Power of Love Gala
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 Cleveland Clinic Nevada (Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage)
Lionel Richie at Keep Memory Alive’s 23rd Annual Power of Love Gala
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage
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.
Anthony Mackie and Lionel Richie at Keep Memory Alive’s 23rd Annual Power of Love Gala
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage
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.
Lonnie Ali and Siegfried Fischbacher at Keep Memory Alive’s 23rd Annual Power of Love Gala
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage
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.
Miguel and Nazanin Mandi at Keep Memory Alive’s 23rd Annual Power of Love Gala
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage
Twain presented Richie with an award in honor of his impactful musical contributions to the world and his support of Keep Memory Alive.
Peta Murgatroyd at Keep Memory Alive’s 23rd Annual Power of Love Gala
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage
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.
NE-YO performing at Keep Memory Alive’s 23rd Annual Power of Love Gala
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage
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.”
Leona Lewis at Keep Memory Alive’s 23rd Annual Power of Love Gala
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage
Paying tribute to Richie’s iconic music, 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 “Easy.” NE-YO and Snoop Dogg then had the crowd on its feet during a rousing rendition of “Brick House.”
Snoop Dogg performing at Keep Memory Alive’s 23rd Annual Power of Love Gala
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage
Richie brought down the house with 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 joined him for the “All Night Long” finale before guests made their way to the after party.
Bernie Williams, Lionel Richie, Pedro Capo, NE-YO, Anthony Anderson backstage at Power of Love
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage
Wolfgang Puck and Daniel Humm served Maine lobster and Alaskan king crab salad with Kaluga caviar, and red wine braised veal with paired wines from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. The MGM Grand pastry team created an illuminated, revolving dessert showpiece to end the night on a sweet note.
John O’Hurley at Power of Love
Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage
Guests bid on exceptional experiences during the live auction, including private dinners with Diane Keaton, Bon Jovi or Sir Michael Caine in London, a week sailing the Mediterranean on a superyacht, a private tennis lesson with Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, or a mini champagne vending machine.
The evening generated the majority of annual revenue for Cleveland Clinic Nevada to provide service, care and resources for patients and their caregivers in the fight against cognitive diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, multiple system atrophy, frontotemporal dementia and related disorders, multiple sclerosis and more.
“We are so grateful for all of these incredible artists and guests coming out tonight in support of Keep Memory Alive,” said Camille Ruvo. “Without them, Cleveland Clinic Nevada would not be able to provide the world-class level of research, care and support that they do for patients and their families. The love and overwhelming generosity experienced tonight makes me feel confident we will fulfill our mission of finding a cure for brain disorders someday.”
For additional information visit keepmemoryalive.org