I was unable to watch this television event because I was sitting in the audience watching it live! I am from Oxford, and I was thrilled that our town was able to be a part of something so great. My understanding is that it was held in Oxford is because the University of Mississippi's chancellor offered the coliseum free of charges, as a means to get the ball rolling. Also, many of the performers who came have connections to the University.
Mississippi does not get a lot of celebrities. So this event was quite large for our town. The performances were outstanding. Faith Hill sang, as well as Jason Alexander doing a comedic Broadway act, as well as a few others. Debbie Allen's dancers did a phenomenal job as well. Many people came and introduced clips of the wreckage. I was honored that I was able to be there and be a part of such a wonderful fund raiser. At last count, over $15 million had been collected and was being distributed.
As for the Ray Romano joke, it was simply that. Our airport has been under construction for expansion for the last 2 years. The arrangements for those flying in were made through our small airport so that the local chauffeurs could meet and drive the celebrities to their host family's homes; instead of picking them up at the Memphis International Airport.
Mississippi does not get a lot of celebrities. So this event was quite large for our town. The performances were outstanding. Faith Hill sang, as well as Jason Alexander doing a comedic Broadway act, as well as a few others. Debbie Allen's dancers did a phenomenal job as well. Many people came and introduced clips of the wreckage. I was honored that I was able to be there and be a part of such a wonderful fund raiser. At last count, over $15 million had been collected and was being distributed.
As for the Ray Romano joke, it was simply that. Our airport has been under construction for expansion for the last 2 years. The arrangements for those flying in were made through our small airport so that the local chauffeurs could meet and drive the celebrities to their host family's homes; instead of picking them up at the Memphis International Airport.