RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. – The sun was shining and the stars were out on the court at the 13th annual Desert Smash Celebrity tennis tournament. The charity tournament raising money for three important charities.
While the event has always benefited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital there are two other charities getting some love this year: Variety of the Desert and Sophie’s Voice, the latter holding a special place in “Code Black” actor Boris Kodjoe’s heart. He and his wife founded Sophie’s Voice in honor of their daughter Sophie, who was diagnosed with spina bifida at birth.
“It’s very emotional because its so amazing to see all my friends come out and support me and Desert Smash has been a staple on the tour as the biggest charitable event,” Kodjoe said.
The event’s host, Jon Hamm, squared off against Kodjoe on the court, telling people not to expect much.
“I ran around for about two hours warming up but I am on the low end of expectations. So that will be fun,” Hamm said.
Closing out the daylong party will be RedFoo and The Party Rock Crew. The artist is an aspiring professional tennis player himself.
“I’m coming back. I’m making a comeback, and I’m training and I’m training for an ATP point, and maybe it’s this year, maybe it’s next year. Don’t count me out,” RedFoo said.
Whether they’re playing or sitting in the stands, everyone agrees they’re all here for a good cause.
