The Cactus Cuties reported for sound-check for Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night XV at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 28th.  The ballroom was decorated beautifully, and sound-check went very well.  After sound-check, the Cuties met Ms. Debbie who presented the Cuties with their very own set of full size boxing gloves!!  The Cuties were so honored to receive the gloves, and they decided to wear them with their dresses that evening on the red carpet, as a reminder to themselves and to others that although it is fun to dress up and look pretty, the real reason they were there was to support Muhammad Ali and to raise money to fight Parkinson’s Disease!!!  The Cuties enjoyed lunch at the resort together and then went back to their rooms to prepare for the big night.  When the Cuties were all fixed up, they linked gloves and headed for the red carpet!!!  The Cuties giggled as they walked through halls lined with people and cameras.  Upon arrival, The Cactus Cuties were greeted and quickly ushered onto the red carpet.  The carpet was lined with photographers, reporters, and cameras!!!  The Cuties posed and interviewed and felt so very special!!!  They were honored to have the opportunity to sign a red umbrella for the “One Heart Umbrella Campaign,” to raise funds for conjoined twins Emma and Taylor Bailey.  The Cuties were then escorted from the red carpet to the artist holding area backstage.  The Cuties were proud to pose for pics with their new friend William Joseph and actor Frankie Muniz.  While in the holding area, The Cuties were thrilled to meet Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps.  Michael was so sweet to The Cuties and even posed for a crazy swimming photo with them!!!  The Cuties had another opportunity to visit with the incredibly talented Reba McEntire backstage, and she was kind enough to pose for a silly faces photo also!!!  The Cuties were anxious to take the stage and were very happy with their performance of The National Anthem.  As they ran offstage, they were introduced to the legendary Muhammad Ali!!!!  The Cuties were in awe of him and as they introduced themselves to The Champ, he wrapped them in his arms in a giant hug.  It was truly one of the sweetest moments for The Cactus Cuties!!!  The Cuties were then led to their seats at Table 1 to watch the show.  The Cuties were stunned when one of their favorite comedians Melissa Peterman sat down right at their table to chat.  She posed for a picture with them and even mentioned The Cactus Cuties in her performance during the show!!!  The Cactus Cuties spent the rest of the evening enjoying a star studded concert produced by David Foster, followed by an after party featuring American Idol Jordin Sparks.  The Cactus Cuties will always treasure their amazing experience with Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night XV and hope to return to Phoenix again next year!!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert