The Giving Back Fund will present Big Game Big Give on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m., when the star-studded charity party returns to the Valley of the Sun

According to a press release, this is the 25th anniversary of The Giving Back Fund and 12th Annual Big Game Big Give, which is by invitation only and attracts celebrities, athletes and philanthropists from around the country. It is a harder ticket to get than the game itself.

“With the support and dedication of countless staff and board members over the past 25 years, I am grateful, proud and humbled to have reached this milestone anniversary,” said Marc Pollick, Giving Back Fund founder and president, in the release.

“During this time we have been privileged to create more than 800 foundations while overseeing the distribution of more than a billion dollars to worthy charities worldwide,” Pollick continued. “To mark this silver anniversary it is fitting to honor the extraordinary philanthropic record of the legendary humanitarian and NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo.”

Executive produced by 10 Fold Entertainment, the event is traditionally held at an exclusive private estate the night before the Big Game in the respective host city. 

The event is traditionally held at an exclusive private estate the night before the Big Game in the respective host city. In 2015, The Giving Back Fund raised more than $1.5 million in the Valley of the Sun when Big Game Big Give was held at former Major League Baseball All-Star Matt Williams’ private home and hosted by Mark Wahlberg and Michael Bay.

With a goal of raising $2 million, the 2023 Big Game Big Give will be held at the 5-acre private estate of Dr. Pablo Prichard in Paradise Valley. Work has already begun to transform the magnificent home and the estate for the celebration, the release noted.

During the event, the Vincere Foundation will be honored for its life-saving work in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer in Firefighters and First Responders. Arizona’s firefighters will also be recognized at the event, and to commemorate those firefighters, a special Fire and Elements theme will be incorporated into the evening. 

“Vincere is honored to be a part of the Giving Back Fund’s outreach to our community. The exemplary work they have done over the last 25 years has touched countless lives, and now will help save the lives of our lifesavers, our first responders,” said Dr. Prichard.

NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, who played 18 NBA seasons for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets will be honored during the event.

Mutombo will receive The Giving Back Fund’s Award for Extraordinary Philanthropic Achievement, which from that night forward will be renamed in his honor and will be presented by former NFL Hall of Fame Linebacker Ray Lewis.

According to the release, Mutombo is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. Shaquille O’Neal has been invited to accept the award on his behalf. 

Former Phoenix Suns and LA Lakers player Cedric Ceballos will serve as the event emcee and DJ. 

Among the other special experiences for guests that night – a Super Bowl-themed dueling piano battle, live musical performances, live auction with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, unique silent auction, tea experience, salt-healing room, rare crystal readings, underwater art experience by Christy Lee Rogers, food stations, sound bowls, cocktail bars, fire dancers, aerialists, fashion show honoring AZ FireFighters curated by ArtxShanna and more. 

More confirmed celebrity and athlete announcements will be made in the coming weeks. 

Sponsors include Modern Luxury Magazine, Casino Arizona, Tequila Komos, Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen, One Hope and Sprinkles Cupcakes. 

Executive produced by 10 Fold Entertainment, owner and executive producer Felisa Israel is returning to her Arizona roots where she began her 20-year career with the NBA as the director of entertainment & special events at the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.

After years spent producing events around the world as the NBA’s director of live programming & entertainment and as the founder of 10 Fold Entertainment, Israel and her team are bringing their national and international expertise to make this year’s Big Game Big Give a unique, immersive experience, the release stated.

Guest parking for the event will be provided and details will be emailed to attendees in advance.

Media interested in obtaining credentials to cover the red carpet festivities and event should contact Jennifer Parks-Sturgeon at Jparks-Sturgeon@RoseAllynPR.com or call 480-495-3806. 

For information, visit www.givingback.org/bgbg2023.