Over $1M raised for Bay Area charities at celebrity party

ATHERTON, Calif. (KGO) -- Super Bowl eve wasn't all about bling and being seen. In the South Bay, the rich and famous gathered to raise money for important Bay Area causes at the "Big Game Big Give" party.

Parties are part of Super Bowl 50, but as San Francisco 49ers legend Joe Montana says, throwing the focus to charity is important.

Regarding the Super Bowl, Montana said, "For them to start giving back, I think it's a great idea. It's ridiculous how much they spend and make, so I'm just happy to see giving back."

They raised more than $1 million, so this year's host, Silicon Valley philanthropist Jillian Manus, hoped to beat the record with emcee Jay Leno.

According to our media partners, the San Jose Mercury News, the party was partially funded by the Giving Back Fund, but Manus underwrote most of the party. She said she was happy that one of her favorite charities, the Stanford Cancer Institute, as well as the Four Rings Montana Family Foundation, will benefit. To find out more about The Giving Back Fund click here.

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