Outkast, Biz Markie and a host of NBA stars are
set to join New York Knicks’ Shandon Anderson August 29-31st, to help launch
his philanthropic endeavor, The Shandon Anderson Foundation.
"Actually the foundation has been in existence
for three years," Anderson said. "This is the first actual event because
I wanted to make sure I took the right direction."
The first event, "The Shandon Anderson Foundation
Presents the John Madden Tournament," will take place in Atlanta. The weekend
activities will feature complimentary amusement park rides and a barbecue, an
auction of sports memorabilia which will even include the 1996 Olympic Basketball
autographed by the original Dream Team, a large party and more.
"It just seems like the perfect thing to
me," Anderson said. "We’re creating a series of rounds where any individual
will have the opportunity to play the video games against a celebrity. In this
way, we will be raising funds for the foundation via the entry fee and individuals
will have a chance to get to know their favorite celebrities by playing against
them. That’s much more than just asking for an autograph."
The tournament will advance in several stages
at different venues which will culminate on that Sunday at the well-known, ESPN
End Zone site in Atlanta.
Proceeds benefit Shandon’s Youth Retreat, a special
series of field trips aimed at developing youth between the ages of 10-14 years
of age and follow their development until the age of 18.
"I was raised helping others, so it was
just natural for me to create a vehicle to give back," Anderson said.
Derrick Fisher, Deshawn Stevenson, Jarvis Hayes,
Jagged Edge, Chico Debarge, Sam Cassell, Terrance Edwards, Ray Buchanon, Nick
Anderson, Dominique Wilkins and more are slated to attend and compete.