Private Paradise Valley event to honor NBA
icon Dikembe Mutombo for philanthropic pursuit
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The Giving Back Fund presents the star-studded charity event coined ‘Big Game Big Give’ when the star-studded charity party returns to the Valley of the Sun 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.
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, according to press release.
“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 a prepared statement.
“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. 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.”
Executively 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.
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 and (Erika) 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 Town of Paradise Valley. Work has already begun to transform the magnificent home and estate for the celebration.
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 life savers, 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.
Mr. 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.
Mr. Mutombo is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. Shaquille O’Neal has been invited to accept the award on his behalf.
