LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — City of Hope’s Music and Entertainment Industry group will honor Shelli and Irving Azoff with the philanthropic 2011 Spirit of Life Award.
The Spirit of Life Award is City of Hope’s most prestigious honor and recognizes individuals who have committed their time and resources to helping those in need.
The Azoffs, who are the first couple ever to receive The Spirit of Life Award, will be honored at the Spirit of Life gala on Saturday, May 7, at Gibson Amphitheatre and Universal Studios in Hollywood, Calif.
Proceeds will benefit lifesaving research, treatment and education programs for cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases at City of Hope.
The 2011 Spirit of Life event will be a family-oriented all-day affair. In addition to the tribute and Spirit of Life Award presentation to the Azoffs, the day will include private live performances by musicians and comedians.
Universal Studios will close early on May 7 providing event attendees exclusive access to the venue, including all rides and attractions.
“We are grateful and privileged to receive this year’s Spirit of Life Award, and are proud to help recognize the incredible work being done by researchers at City of Hope,” the Azoffs said in a press release.
“We are pleased to bestow our highest philanthropic honor to Shelli and Irving Azoff,” said Gary Stiffelman, President, City of Hope’s Music and Entertainment Industry Group. “They are a model of philanthropic commitment and an inspiration to everyone who seeks to make cancer a curable and ultimately preventable disease.”
“Irving is the first person in the 37 year history of the Music and Entertainment Industry Group to be honored twice with its Spirit of Life Award, the first time 27 years ago.
Irving Azoff is executive chairman of Live Nation Entertainment, and chairman and chief executive officer of the Front Line Management Group.
Recent past honorees of the Spirit of Life Award include Tim Leiweke, President and CEO, AEG, Doug Morris, Chairman and CEO of UMG, and Bob Cavallo, Chairman, Disney Music Group.
— Crystal Lynn Huntoon
