Information

30 Years of Shooting Hoops For Schools…and still going strong!

The Hollywood Knights Basketball Team is the brainchild of international sports producer David Mirisch, whose idea of putting sports stars against teachers to raise funds for high schools was born in 1978. He originally recruited members of the 1978 Baseball World Series team, The Los Angeles Dodgers, including Hall-of-Famer Don Sutton, Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Steve Yeager, Tommy John, Jimmy Wynn and Davey Lopes. David booked a full season of 21 games against local high schools that first year! Who wouldn’t want to mingle with the World Series team? Unfortunately, after the first season, Walter O’Malley, president of the Dodger’s organization, forbid his players to participate in off-season basketball. David used this opportunity to replace them with some of his "teen-idol" movie & TV stars. The celebrities were so popular with students; the Knights eventually became a team made up entirely of actors and entertainers.

CEO Michael Mirisch moved from Assistant Coach to full-time Manager and organizer when he acquired the team from his father in 1987. Michael’s passion for producing events motivates students and faculty to forge ahead with the same enthusiasm he exudes. According to Michael, "There’s nothing quite like teaching kids how to take a concept and turn it into a reality. I love teaching them what I do, and watching as they become a driving creative element in the project. They receive so much satisfaction when the result is a successful major event they helped to produce."

The celebrity players of the Hollywood Knights are the foundation of this unique program. They provide the magic that occurs both on and off the court. Loyal and dedicated, they give their time and effort in support of many good causes. They are committed to giving back and helping the community, a testament to their extraordinary spirit and character. The unity and harmony that is felt by all the members of the team is infectious.

The Knights mesmerize and capture the hearts of people from all walks of life with their skills on the court and their candor,
kindness and generosity off the court. Where there are Knights, there are fans with smiling faces!

Hollywood Knights, Inc. produces an upwards of twenty games per season with a roster of high-caliber celebrities and a dedicated support staff. We work closely with school faculty and student coordinators every step of the way. We are currently expanding our operations on a national and International level by scheduling games throughout the United States and Europe.

The demand for the Knights has reached incomparable levels. Each season is an opportunity to establish positive relationships with new schools and to continue lasting relationships with schools that have participated in our tour year after year. Incorporating his father’s original philosophies of promotion and organization, Michael has continued to lead The Knights to season after season of fund-raising success. "Having fun, while raising funds." That’s what David Mirisch always used to say, and that’s what the Hollywood Knights Celebrity Basketball team is all about!

School Testimonials

"The school and community are all abuzz with the huge success of the Oak Crest Celebrity/Teachers basketball game. There were 1500 in attendance and over $6000 was raised to fund equipment, educational programs, and teacher mini-grants. It was the biggest happening on our campus in years!"
- Debbie Beauchesne, Oak Crest Foundation

"The game itself was a spectacular event…the student body was electrified, spirited, and jumping with vibrant enthusiasm…the gym was a packed house. I definitely recommend this program for High Schools who can handle this kind of excitement and joy in one night!
- Rocky Moore, Alemany High School

"The celebrity basketball game we held last month was a great success. The turnout and reactions were both superior…the success was due greatly to you. Your team raised enthusiasm in the school, and your personal organization helped the A.S.B. tremendously in our planning."
- Leah Malmon, Poly High School

"…Our evening was most entertaining for nearly one thousand spectators and participants and we were able to generate several thousand dollars gross proceeds which will be well received by the cheerleading squad, band, and student government programs."
- Terry Pardee, Newbury Park High School

"The activity was a tremendous success. The gymnasium was packed to capacity…and we raised well over $3000.00. Activities like this one tend to bond and thus enhance the educational experience for students. "
- Minnie W. Floyd, Palms Jr. High School

"This is the fifth time I have been involved in this event and it just keeps getting better. Your organization has consistently come through with a well-organized professional event for our community. This year we had our highest attendance ever, 900 tickets sold. We raised nearly $3000 for the school and everyone had a great time."
- Terry Delvoye, Palms Middle School

"The game created an atmosphere of enthusiasm and fun…it allowed us to generate funds for our student body account, it gave the spectators an opportunity to observe the faculty and the celebrities in an out-of-the-ordinary activity."
- Palm Swanson, William Howard Taft High School

"The wide variety of celebrities added to the suspense of the event in the weeks prior to the game. We acquired a profit of $4,700 [for the 2001 Junior-Senior Prom]. It was a great event that involved teachers, students and community."
- Christopher Contreras, Moreno Valley High School

"Our game attracted 1,100 students, teachers and community members. The game not only generated school spirit and excitement, but it created a memorable evening for everyone who attended. Our ASB raised a total of $3,500."
- Erin Sprinkel, Troy High School

"Our sincere appreciation for putting on a great show. We raised nearly $6000 and entertained some 2300 people. We were able to use the money to a pay off the Girls Basketball debts, make a large contribution to our landscape committee, and fund our basketball program next year."
- Marv Van Voy, Westlake High School

"That was the largest crowd I’ve ever seen at Royal High School and the celebrities that you brought gave total satisfaction to each and every ticket holder."
- Jack McCrory, Royal High School

"The game was a huge success...not only did the school raise money but a lot of Baldwin Park citizens were excited about meeting many of their Hollywood stars. The event was very well organized…looking forward to working with you again next year."
- Doug Watt, Sierra Vista High School

"Over the past many years, your team of celebrities has never failed to provide quality basketball and entertainment for our fans. I always marvel at the enjoyment of introducing the celebrities to the audience. It sets an up-tempo for the whole evening."
- Jim Harris, Ocean View High School

"The celebrity basketball game was a success! Everyone had a great time and things went smoothly. We made approximately $6,000 this year. I would personally like to thank you for always being available and returning my calls promptly."
- Carol Truett, Ayala High School