Muhammad Ali’s Grand Fundraiser 'Power of Love Gala' Held in Las Vegas

The Keep Memory Alive 16th Annual Power of Love Gala honoring Muhammad Ali was held in Las Vegas Saturday.

President Barack Obama wished Muhammad Ali through a video message.

Ali turned 70 last month.

Happy birthday, champ, President Barack Obama told Ali through the video message, reported The Associated Press.

As a fighter, you were something spectacular, Obama said. You shocked the world, and you inspired it, too. And even after all the titles and legendary bouts, you're still doing it.

The gala was held at the MGM Grand, which was attended by 2,000 guests, comprising some of the biggest names in sports, film, television and music.

They were there to celebrate Ali's life and generate millions of dollars donation for brain research, a mission Ali's family says is important to him.

Ali nearly fought a 30-year battle with Parkinson's disease -a degenerative brain condition that some doctors believe to have occurred due to the punches to the head.

The great footballer, Jim Brown said, America started with slavery and ended up with a black president ... Muhammad Ali was a part of that ... a big part.

According to Brown, Ali represents the greatest of America because at one time people only recognized his athletic ability and didn't like what he had to say.

Ali's wife, Lonnie Ali, said, Muhammad's gift of inspiration is timeless, and now more relevant than ever.

Lonnie Ali presented a video montage of her husband's life, which also include clips from his work with children.

People look for miracles, people look for wonders, people expect surprises of all kinds, Ali said. Yet the greatest wonder, the greatest miracle, the greatest surprise is to be found in one's heart.

The stars arriving on the red carpet were football great Franco Harris, supermodel Cindy Crawford, acting star Samuel L. Jackson, Ali's children and grandchildren and Chuck Wepner.

I would go anywhere in the world for Muhammad Ali's birthday, Wepner said. Wepner fought with Ali in 1975 for the heavyweight title and lost.

The gala tickets were starting at $1,500 per plate. The famous personalities converged on the 160 tables adjacent to two rings and a stage. Terrence Howard, Anthony Hopkins, Manny Pacquiao, and Lenny Kravitz, were present there among others.

Tennis legend Andre Agassi said that Ali had shown the world that each person had a duty - to live for more than him or herself and help others.

Agassi said, What he did with his platform was unparalleled and the impact he's had as a result, we still feel to this day, which is why we're all out here tonight.

We're grateful to what he's done. He's been a leader - we're also challenged and charged with a duty of figuring out a way to do more, Agassi added.

The gala raised funds for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Ky., a cultural attraction that celebrates Ali's life and pushes educational goals on a wide range of topics for adults and children.

The gala's auction includes Ali's gloves that he used to fight Floyd Patterson in 1965 and A bout he won by knockout in the 12th round.

If it's $100, great, $100,000 would be better, Larry King said in attempt to drum up bids.

ABC and ESPN are planning to air the gala on Feb. 25.