Champions and Celebs Shine at HJTEP 52nd Charity Gala

By Tennis Now | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, Could 14, 2024 Champions converged in New York Metropolis for a worthy tennis trigger on Tuesday evening.

Kim Clijsters, HJTEP Government Director Katrina Adams, Rennae Stubbs, Stan Smith and Patrick McEnroe had been among the many gamers readily available to assist the Harlem Junior Tennis & Schooling Program’s 52nd Annual Gala on Could 13 on the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York Metropolis.

Extra: Hurkacz Hammers Nadal 

The sold-out occasion drew greater than 350 friends, together with tennis champions, celebrities, a number of New York Knicks, philanthropists and tennis followers.

Emceed by WCBS-TV information anchor Maurice DuBois, the star-studded gala celebrates the success of the almost 1,000 children who profit from HJTEP tennis and education schemes yearly.

Well-known faces walked the HJTEP pink carpet together with singer, actress, former Miss America and devoted tennis fan Vanessa L. Williams, former Knicks guard Allan Houston, former world No. 1 and US Open champion Kim Clijsters, Corridor of Famer Stan Smith, who signed his signature Stan Smith footwear for followers, Grand Slam doubles champion and broadcaster Rennae Stubbs, former French Open doubles champion and former U.S. Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe, former Knicks heart Herb Williams, and former WTA professional Ahsha Rolle.

The 52nd annual charity gala raised near $1 million for HJTEP applications.

Key public sale objects:

US Open President’s Field Tickets for two: $13,000

Indian Wells VIP Tickets for two: $16,000

Golf Outing with Corridor of Famer and shoe icon Stan Smith: $16,000

ESPN US OPEN Behind the Scenes VIP Expertise with ESPN analyst Patrick McEnroe: $14,000.

The gala honored two of HJTEP’s most ardent supporters by presenting the Shining Star Award to Stan Smith, a tennis Corridor of Famer and footwear icon; and the James R. Kelly III Chairman’s Award to Michelle Blake Wilson, an HJTEP alum and Board Member.

HJTEP develops champions in tennis schooling and wellness, bringing tennis to youth from high-risk, low-income inner-city neighborhoods and presents alternatives for self-development, emphasizing schooling and a constructive code of habits.

The not-for-profit group opens a brand new door for a lot of inner-city girls and boys, ages 6-18, to study the sport of tennis. Since 1972 the numbers communicate to its success with a 95% highschool commencement price, a 3.1 GPA, and 80% of graduates attending faculty.

Partnering with native colleges and neighborhood facilities, HJTEP serves college students year-round through the college 12 months and with summer season applications. The expertise on the courts and in HJTEP’s education schemes develops the “complete baby”—in sports activities, college, and life. Tennis teaches children important life abilities, sportsmanship, self-discipline, social and emotional competence, and how one can combat weight problems and lead more healthy lives. Of their after-school programming, members additionally study to enhance communication abilities and lift their health ranges. For extra info go to www.HJTEP.org

Photograph credit: All Pictures by Fred Mullane and Susan Mullane