The 20thAnnual Desert Smash will be produced by Brand Innovators at La Quinta Resort and Club on March 5
Desert Smash, the world famous event that brings together Hollywood and Pro Tennis for charity, has today announced award-winning actress, producer and philanthropist, Charlize Theron, as the host for its 20th annual event, taking place at the La Quinta Resort and Club on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024.
In a natural complement to Charlize hosting, this year’s Desert Smash will benefit her eponymous charity, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) – a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to investing in the health and safety of young people living in Southern Africa to create a more equitable future for all.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to team up with Desert Smash for their 20th Anniversary. I’m ready to play some tennis, have some fun, and raise a lot of money for a cause that is so close to my heart” said Charlize Theron.
“In keeping with 19 years of tradition bringing Hollywood to tennis, I’m thrilled to have such an icon like Charlize Theron hosting our 20th anniversary. It’s fitting, and now we look forward to raising a ton of funds for her charity!“ added Ryan Macaulay, Desert Smash Founder, SVP & Co-Head Sports & Entertainment at Brand Innovators.
As Desert Smash marks its milestone 20th anniversary, a star-studded line-up of new and returning talent is expected to battle it out on-court for a good cause.
Among the tennis pros confirmed to participate are; US Open Finalist and current ATP Tour world #4, Casper Ruud, 2022 Wimbledon finalist, Nick Kyrgios, Croatian professional tennis player, Donna Vekic, former world No. 1 singles player, Victoria Azarenka, WTA singles and doubles player, Alycia Parks, three-time Grand Slam Champion, Stan Wawrinka, with more pros and celebrity participants to be announced soon.
On March 5, fans can expect the traditional Annual Desert Smash Celebrity + Pro Tennis Matches, including a WTA Women’s Singles Match, Celebrity + Pro Doubles Match, and an ATP Men’s Singles Match. Following all the on-court fun and fundraising, there will be a private “Desert Smash Bash-celebrating 20 Years of Desert Smash” that will feature surprise musical performances that Desert Smash is so renowned for.
Desert Smash 2024 is generously supported by a suite of world-class brand partners, including; Cadillac, Diageo (Ketel One, Nolet Gin, Smirnoff Smash), Flor de Caña Rum, 2K Gaming, Maestro Dobel Tequila, Vuori, Yonex.
For live updates around Desert Smash 2024, including participants and brand sponsors, please visit www.desertsmash.com
Desert Smash 2024
DATE: Tuesday March 5
LOCATION: La Quinta Resort & Club, 49-199 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta, California 92253
ABOUT CHARLIZE THERON AFRICA OUTREACH PROJECT (CTAOP)
CTAOP advances and invests in the health and safety of young people living in Southern Africa to create a more equitable future for all. CTAOP’s approach supports community-based organizations (Program Partners) by providing funding, strengthening capacity, and bringing awareness to their work. This helps ensure the youth they serve are on a path to reaching their full potential and have the knowledge, tools, and skills to keep themselves healthy and safe. In addition, CTAOP’s Youth Leaders Scholarship program provides young leaders in South Africa with full scholarships for their tertiary journey.
CTAOP was created in 2007 by actor and United Nations Messenger of Peace, Charlize Theron, with the hope of making a difference for youth in her home country of South Africa, particularly so they can stay healthy and safe from HIV. Although the geographic scope of CTAOP is sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa has remained the primary area of focus due to the highest number of people living with HIV in the world. To date, CTAOP supported programs have reached over 4 million youth in Southern Africa. To learn more visit www.charlizeafricaoutreach.org and follow @CTAOP on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Published By: Aize Perez