Samsung sees stars at charity event

The event was hosted by "Live with Regis and Kelly" Regis Philbin who returned for his fifth Samsung gala and was joined by NBC Commentator Bob Costas, who returned for his third gala. 

Philbin and Costas co-hosted the celebrity-filled event, which included its annual chalk talk and celebrity football toss.

Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope recognises the charitable efforts of sports, entertainment, and political notables, including former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Wayne Gretzky, Arnold Palmer, Jimmie Johnson, Boomer Esiason and Dan Marino through fundraising programs tied to business partners' US retailers such as Best Buy, Sears, and the recently added Lowe's as well as some of its regional partners.

Grammy-Award winner and philanthropist John Legend gave a special live performance to more than 500 guests where his "Show Me Campaign" was one of the benefiting charities from the evening's event.

The Campaign's mission is to end poverty through sustainable development, education and service at the individual, family and community levels.  

Legend also brought along singer songwriter Estelle and his brother Vaughn to help entertain the crowd as both are part of Legend's new record label, Home School Records.

"All of the charities involved in this event are doing tremendous work and I applaud their efforts, I was excited to be part of this night," said Legend following his performance.

The event featured a roster of celebrities from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics including newly signed New York Jets Quarterback Mark Sanchez and current Quarterback Kellen Clemens;

Amani Toomer, New England Patriots Wes Welker; members of the New York Jets - Kerry Rhodes and Darrelle Revis; 

Green Bay Packers Running Back Ryan Grant; former NBA star and current ESPN NBA Analyst Jamal Mashburn; TV star Molly Simms; "All My Children's" Chrishell Stause, Shannon Kane, Brittany Allen and Melissa Claire Egan;

Music artist and producer Swizz Beatz; Recording Artists Kelis and Fabolous; Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton; Rene Fris of Bravo's "Shear Genius" and the Winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 10 Whitney Thompson.

An online and silent auction of experiences and sports memorabilia helped raise funds for all of the participating foundations and charities.

The online auction will continue until June 25th at www.gocharity.com/samsung.

To date, Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope program has raised more than $20 million for charity, while winning awards and recognition for its achievements.