Hilary Swank, Chelsea Handler Among Celebrities at This Year's 'Desert Smash'

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA - Celebrities and tennis pros will go head-to-head Tuesday in the 12th annual Desert Smash charity celebrity tournament in Rancho Mirage.

The event will be hosted by former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, just one of a number of tennis stars and big names featured in the event.

The action gets underway at noon at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa.

The day will begin with a pair of interactive events pitting celebrities, pro tennis players and amateurs against one another. The VIP Ultimate Pro-Am Experience Package will give attendees a chance to play with Azarenka, while participants will also take to the court for the "Liveball Challenge" doubles event.

ESPN's Jill Montgomery will host the pro/celebrity exhibition red carpet before the day's exhibition matches get underway.

Celebrities set to appear include Hilary Swank, Chelsea Handler, Jason Collins, Colton Haynes, Justin Chambers, Boris Kodjoe and Gavin Rossdale. Ja Rule, Cody Simpson and Natasha Bedingfield are scheduled to perform during the evening after-party.

Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

— City News Service.  Image via Shutterstock.