Hollywood A-listers converge on the desert
The stars are shining bright this week in the desert.
Events like the Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament, the BNP Paribas Open and Desert Smash are drawing the Hollywood crowd and shining a spotlight on the Coachella Valley.
Stars walked the carpet, some ready to play with their professional counterparts.
“I’m right there with them. I told the Bryan Brothers we’re triplets,” said actor Amaury Nolasco.
The event focused on raising money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“I think people feel good when they see celebrities and athletes out there supporting a good cause and giving back, and we’ve gotta give back,” said Jim Pedone the director of sales and marketing at the Westin Mission Hills.
The event brought out some big Hollywood names, shining a bright light on our desert.
“We’re all having a great time, in a great environment. It’s for a good cause, you’re meeting great people, you’re playing mediocre tennis,” said actor Alan Thicke.
“It’s great! I’m a Michigander, so I have to get used to the weather,” said actor Jack Falahee.
Some celebrities sharing their strategies for success on the court.
“I took a nap and had an apple,” Thicke said.
The event is taking up a new residence at the Westin Mission Hills.
“Westin really saw the growth of this event and we wanted this event to take off and here we are,” said Desert Smash founder Ryan Macaulay.
Just down the street the another star-studded event was at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas.
The resort’s “Tennis With the Stars” gave members a chance to play with some of the worlds top tennis players.
“Helps bring the clientele we want from all over the country and are exposed to Rancho Las Palmas and it also helps grow the game of tennis,” said tennis director Alberto Fernandez.
This annual event combining Hollywood and professional tennis played out for a great cause.
