The Chiefs took home the trophy this Super Bowl, but thousands of others benefited with Miami becoming a stage for the largest celebrity fundraisers in the world.
The Giving Back Fund’s Big Game Big Give presented by Oasis House, electrified Florida as the organization held the famed event to raise funds to benefit national philanthropic advancement and local Miami nonprofits including Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) Michael Bay, Founder and President of The Giving Back Fund Marc Pollick and Ray Lewis attend 2020 Big Game Big Give at Star Island on February 01, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Bobby Metelus/Getty Images for Giving Back Fund )
The phenomenal VIP event on Star Island was the talk of the town as dozens of celebrities, city and national dignitaries, players and artists gathered at a private $65 million estate all in the name of the charity. The exclusive affair co-hosted by filmmaker Michael Bay and award-winning actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul featured an incredible performance by actor/singer Jamie Foxx.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 01: Kevin Lyttle and Jamie Foxx attend 2020 Big Game Big Give at Star Island on February 01, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Bobby Metelus/Getty Images for Giving Back Fund )
The Oscar winner hosted the night and had the crowd dancing on their feet as they gazed at the splendid, waterfront views. Jumping into the audience he encouraged attendees to share the love in their hearts and donate to the foundation that changes lives for the better. There was no stopping the magical moment as the poolside audience delighted in the sheer joy.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) Lauren Parsekian, Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston, Keegan-Michael Key and Elisa Key attend 2020 Big Game Big Give at Star Island on February 01, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Bobby Metelus/Getty Images for Giving Back Fund )
During the night Pro Football Hall of Famer, All-Time leading rusher for the Cleveland Browns, American football legend and social activist Jim Brown was honored with The Giving Back Fund’s annual Philanthropic Achievement Award, presented by Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl XXXV MVP Ray Lewis.
“Nobody knows the extent of how deep our relationship goes. I have been soaking up his knowledge for years. To be able to honor him tonight is a blessing,” Lewis told The Knockurnal before honoring the sports hero with a moving and inspirational speech.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 01: Founder and President of The Giving Back Fund Marc Pollick, Jim Brown and Ray Lewis attend 2020 Big Game Big Give at Star Island on February 01, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Bobby Metelus/Getty Images for Giving Back Fund )
On the stage guests admired the man of the hour as Mayor of Miami Francis X. Suarez presented Brown with a key to the city of Miami. Featured during the event also was a musical performance by singer Kevin Lyttle and appearances by actors Scott Eastwood, Keegan-Michael Key, Cuba Gooding Jr., and model Karolina Kurkova.
Throughout the mansion guests enjoyed curated cocktail stations from multiple brands including Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston’s signature mezcal, Dos Hombres; and indulged in delicious catering by award-winning chef Adrianne Calvo.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Mayor of Miami-Dade County Carlos A. Gimenez and Governor of California Gavin Newsom.
Launched in 1997 by President and Founder Marc Pollick, The Giving Back Fund is a national nonprofit that creates and manages charitable foundations and philanthropic projects for high net worth individuals, celebrities, athletes, business entrepreneurs and corporations. Big Game Big Give aims to put philanthropy center stage on arguably the world’s biggest stage, Super Bowl Saturday night.
“Big Game Big Give is our way of celebrating philanthropy while paying homage to the unique culture and spirit of the Super Bowl’s host city,” stated Marc Pollick. “Together we can make a difference in this world and the mission of this event is to do that by raising funds and increasing awareness for a multitude of national charities and local nonprofits in Miami that are helping communities in need.”
For more information, visit givingback.org.
