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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 09 > Entry
Tickets still hot for Elton tennis tourney AIDS benefit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta real estate developer Charlie Hendon (below, top) has become one of Sir Elton John’s secret weapons as VIP tickets to this Sunday’s Advanta World Team Tennis benefit continue to steadily sell despite the current economic uncertainties.
Only a few of the $350 tickets remain for the Elton John AIDS Foundation benefit starring Sir Elton, his pal Billie Jean King and tennis pro pals Andy Roddick, Martina Navratilova, Anna Kournikova (with John at right at ‘04 benefit) and Donald Young.
“It’s frustrating when people look the other way,” Hendon told Buzz. “It’s not about contributing to the trendiest cause for me. It’s about a problem that has yet to be solved worldwide. This is not the time to stop. AIDS is nowhere near over.”
Hendon concedes the economic climate has shifted considerably since he first signed on this year to co-chair the benefit, which will feature Sir Elton, King, Roddick and the others playing spirited exhibition sets after a celebrity-soaked brunch.
But for Hendon, helping the Peachtree Road singer-songwriter’s favorite charity is a way to give back to the legendary performer.
As the child of divorced parents and an alcoholic father, Hendon says Elton John’s music helped him through a lot of rough spots growing up.
“Music was my drug and Elton’s music was my drug of choice,” Hendon told us. “His melodies and Bernie [Taupin’s] lyrics helped me on so many levels. It’s been wonderful to have had some success and now be at a place in my life where I can help give back to Elton a little of what his music has given me over the years.”
Buzz Central has also received a partial list of the impressive items included in this Sunday’s live auction. Among them: an original piece of art donated by Navratilova and Slovak artist Juraj Kralik (the pair utilize a technique Navratilova calls “tennising” which involves the tennis legend hitting paint saturated tennis balls onto a blank canvas) valued at $20,000. Also on the block: an autographed piano bench by Sir Elton and King’s personal Wimbledon center court tickets.
Remaining VIP tickets are available online at www.ejaf.org/smashhits08 or by calling 404-653-0240. Tickets for the tennis action only are available at etix.com or by calling 800-514-ETIX. Reserved seat tickets range from $70 to $110 and general admission tickets are $39.50. The VIP reception begins at 11 a.m. Tennis starts at 1 p.m.
Salie tackles sticky situations with Oprah
O magazine contributor Faith Salie tackled a series of sticky social situations on Thursday’s episode of “Oprah.” For starters, the native Atlantan and popular O mag “Now What Do I Do?” columnist had to answer a question from “Michelle,” an Atlanta mom, about her 12-year-old son receiving a sexual proposition via text message from a classmate. Salie’s hand shot up to her mouth when the problem was revealed on-air.
“My opinion was in the vast minority,” the North Springs High grad told Buzz Thursday. “I felt that preserving that openness she had with her son should be the top priority since that kind of closeness between a son and mom at that age is so rare.” Salie advised that the 12-year-old politely inform his classmate that she ought not send explicit texts because his mother reads them. Oprah’s audience disagreed.
Alas, Salie’s Southern upbringing prompted her to try to bring a teaching moment to Winfrey on the telecast. “I was hoping to teach Oprah how to deliver criticism by softening the blow,” she says. “The ‘bless her heart’ theory.”
So how did that go?
“Well, I didn’t really get it out since Oprah was talking. And we all know, when Oprah is talking, you listen.”
Half-off Blige, Thicke tix
Here’s a certain economic sign of the times. How slooow are ticket sales for the hot double bill of R&B sensations Mary J. Blige and Robin Thicke at Lakewood Amphitheatre this Sunday? From 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. tonight, concert fans can purchase half-price tickets to the show in the 200-level of the venue. Tickets go back to full price at midnight.
Go to ticketmaster.com or livenation.com to purchase the tickets or call 404-443-5000. Be advised: You’re still on the hook for all service charges and taxes.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actor Peter Coyote is 67. Singer John Prine is 62. Actor-dancer Ben Vereen is 62. Singer David Lee Roth (Van Halen) is 54. Country singer Tanya Tucker is 50. Actor Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing”) is 49. Actor Mario Lopez (“Saved By The Bell”, above) is 35. Singer Mya (below) is 29.
OVERSCENE
NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin happily slicing into some perfectly grilled cow at Lenox Square’s Prime Restaurant with some business colleagues. Aldrin was overheard praising the steak, saying it was the best he’d ever eaten.
Contributing: News services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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