Gala Features Celebrity-Filled Live Auction and Exclusive Announcement from Master Illusionists Siegfried & Roy


The star-studded 12th Annual "Power of Love" Gala held at the MGM Grand on February 9, raised millions to benefit the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute and the fight against all neurodegenerative diseases. 


Culinary legends Wolfgang Puck, Guy Savoy and Tom Colicchio prepared an unforgettable three-course dinner for the 1,100 guests in attendance on Saturday night, while the classic big-band stylings of Grammy-winning crooner, Michael Bublé, provided the entertainment. The enchanted evening also saw appearances by boxing champion Muhammad Ali, Teri Hatcher, Lorraine Bracco, Steve Schirripa, Siegfried & Roy, Danny DeVito and David Copperfield.


The biggest surprise of the night came early in the evening when Siegfried & Roy announced that the famous duo will return to the stage as performers at next year's Power of Love Gala.  The two have not performed together since Roy's tragic accident, making this their first stage appearance in more than four and a half years. 


The star-studded live auction included:


·  Dinner in New York City with "Sopranos" stars Lorraine Bracco, Steve Schirripa and James Gandolfini sold twice for a total of $150,000.


·  Lunch with "Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher sold for $50,000. This marked the second year in a row that Hatcher has helped raise money for Keep Memory Alive. 


·  A priceless Italian vacation with legendary chef Mario Batali sold for $220,000.


·  A personalized, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience with the celebrity chefs of the evening, Puck, Savoy and Colicchio sold for $450,000. 


The Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, broke ground on its future site at Union Park in downtown Las Vegas on February 10, 2007.  Trendsetting in design and practice, the Institute will lead the fight against debilitating neurodegenerative diseases.  With projected completion by late 2008, the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute will transform downtown Las Vegas and be the premier research and treatment facility for all chronic brain disorders.


Headed by Dr. Zaven Khachaturian, PhD, and supported by internationally acclaimed researchers, the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute will focus on the research and treatment of Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's, ALS and memory disorders.  The 67,000 square-foot institute will include 13 examination rooms, offices for healthcare practitioners and researchers, a "Museum of the Mind," a community auditorium and a Wolfgang Puck café. 


MGM Grand Hotel and Casino