Gateway Celebrity Fight Night, dubbed as Arizona’s most elegant and exciting fundraising affair, made its star-studded return to Phoenix, Arizona.
This go-around the black tie event, which helps raise funds for early phase clinical cancer research, was held at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa Saturday night, according to Visit Phoenix.
The event featured an entertainment lineup produced by Grammy Award-winning musical director David Foster, who is married to acclaimed singer and actress Katharine McPhee.
The evening also showcased performance by Foster along with Earth, Wind, & Fire, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Taylor Dayne, Thelma Houston, The Sugarhill Gang, Light Balance, and of course McPhee, who first gained fame during her run on season five of American Idol in 2006.
Guests enjoyed a night of diverse and high-profile entertainment, along with a cocktail reception, elegant dinner and live auction that includes coveted, one-of-a-kind luxury items.
Good cause: Katharine McPhee, 39, and husband David Foster, 73, led the list of celebrities on hand to attend the Gateway Celebrity Fight Night, a cancer research fundraiser, in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday
Ahead of the festivities, many of the celebrities stepped over to the red carpet area to pose for photographers.
McPhee, 39, showed off her fab figure and fashion sense decked out in black form-fitting gown that glistened under the harsh lights of camera with its shiny top portion.
The spaghetti-strap number was matched with a pair of open-toe heels, as the Broadway star of Waitress carried a stylish clutch purse.
Rounding out her look, the Los Angeles native pulled her dark tresses back off her face into a bun with a slick back style.
The mother of one snuggled up next to her husband of nearly four-years, who looked classy and elegant in a three-piece tuxedo and bow tie combination that included shiny dress shoes.
At one point, the couple, who welcomed their only child together two years ago, shared the spotlight of the red carpet with pop star Taylor Dayne, 61, who looked elegant in her own black gown and open-toe heels.
The Tell It to My Heart singer (born Leslie Wunderman) scored seven top-10 singles in the U.S. beginning in 1987 that included “Love Will Lead You Back, With Every Beat of My Heart, Prove Your Love and I’ll Always Love You.
Caroline Rhea, 58, opted to stand out by wearing a form-fitting orange-patterned dress with black pumps.
Lady in black: The American Idol singer showed off her fab figure and fashion sense decked out in a black form-fitting gown that she matched with open-toe heels and a clutch purse
Classy: The event featured an entertainment lineup produced by Foster, a 16-time Grammy Award-winning musical director, who was decked out in a three-piece tuxedo
Strike a pose: Taylor Dane, a pop star with seven hits in the U.S. beginning in 1987, joined Foster and McPhee for a round of photos on the red carpet
The actress and stand-up comedian is known for her roles in Disney’s Phineas and Ferb (2007-present) and Sabrina The Teenage Witch (1996-2003), as well as being a panelist on such game shows as Match Game (2016-2020), Funny You Should Ask (2017-2020), The Blame Game (2020), and her talk show The Caroline Rhea Show (2002-2003).
Joey Fatone, 46, was also on hand to offer his support to the cause in an all-black suit, tie and sneakers.
Most fans know the singer and dancer as a member of the boy band NSYNC and former starring in the three My Big Fat Greek Wedding films (2002, 2016, 2023).
Always looking cool, Chic star Nile Rogers, 70, strutted his stuff in a multi-colored suit with several designs that had touches of orange, blue black and white.
The guitarist and songwriter has worked with many high-profile musical artists over the decades that includes such rockers as David Bowie, Duran Duran, Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck, Bryan Ferry, The B-52’s, INXS, along with pop icons such as Madonna, Diana Ross, Sister Sledge and Grace Jones, among many others.
Festive evening: Guests like Taylor Dane, 61, enjoyed a night of diverse and high-profile entertainment, along with a cocktail reception, elegant dinner and live auction
Colorful: Actress and stand-up comedian Caroline Rhea, 58, opted to stand out by wearing a form-fitting orange-patterned dress with black pumps.
Man in black: Joey Fatone, 46, looked handsome in an all-black suit and tie with sneakers
Nile Rodgers, 70, showed off his unique style alongside singer Thelma Houston, 79
Show of support: Actor and television personality John O’Hurley, 68, looked handsome in a classic black suit
Houston, 79, stood out amongst all the stars in a lime green ensemble, consisting of a plunging top, and matching pants and shoes.
The Mississippi native scored a number one hit in 1977 with her recording of Don’t Leave Me This Way.
Actor and television personality John O’Hurley, 68, scored big with his classic black suit that he wore with a white dress shirt and matching tie and shoes.
The Seinfeld star, who played J. Peterman on the legendary NBC sitcom, is also known for hosting such game shows as Family Feud (2006-2010) and To Tell The Truth (2000-2002).
Last year’s event raised more than $5 million for cancer research.
Fight Night Co-chairs Richard J Stephenson and his wife Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, Gateway’s chairman and vice chair, respectively, headed into the festive evening with hopes of eclipsing that dollar amount.
100% of all the proceeds donated from the event will go directly towards funding cancer research
Making a difference: 100% of all the proceeds donated from the event will go directly towards funding cancer research
Contributions are much-needed considering more than 5,250 people are diagnosed with cancer each day, according to Gateway For Cancer Research
Talented pair: The couple performed together on stage at the event
Her moment: Katharine rose to fame after appearing on American Idol in 2006 and starring in the hit TV show Smash in 2012
Star power: The beauty commanded the stage as her husband of four years played the piano
Contributions are much-needed considering more than 5,250 people are diagnosed with cancer each day, according to Gateway For Cancer Research
‘Gateway for Cancer Research invests in novel, patient-centered early phase clinical trials that arm men, women and children for their battles against this formidable foe,’ it continued on the organization’s website.
Gateway has funded research for all types of cancer, including the rarest and sometimes deadliest forms of the disease, over the last 30 years.
To date, the organization has invested more than $95 million to fund over 195 clinical cancer trials. These studies have delivered hope and healing to more than 10,000 cancer patients, altered the standard of care at some of the world’s most trusted health care institutions, and given way to new federally approved cancer treatments and therapies.
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