We couldn't have done it without you. With your support and participation, the USTA Foundation delivered on its mission to bring tennis and education together to change lives at the 2014 US Open.
Perhaps the most popular of our fundraisers is our Opening Night Gala. On the evening of Aug. 25, the USTA Foundation hosted its 14th Annual Opening Night Gala in the President’s Suite at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. An extraordinary financial success, the gala’s revenues surpassed the $700,000 mark for the first time.
The evening also honored USTA Foundation Chairwoman Mary Carillo for her leadership and service to the organization and included tributes by tennis legend John McEnroe and commentator Bill Macatee. Celebrity fitness guru Shaun T served as the evening’s live auctioneer and was joined by longtime supporter and award-winning actor Alec Baldwin.
On Friday, Sept. 5, the Foundation hosted its 13th Annual Pro-Am at the US Open. This, too, was a financial success for the USTA Foundation, bringing in more than $250,000.
Played on the courts of the US Open, the Pro-Am welcomed 13 of the world’s greatest tennis champions and gave our amateurs a unique opportunity to play with and against these remarkable pros. This year, our champions included Tracy Austin, Chanda Rubin, Henri Leconte, Mats Wilander, Michael Chang, Lindsay Davenport, Pat Cash, Martina Navratilova, Mark Philoppussis, Jana Novotna, Mary Joe Fernandez, Boris Kodjoe and Iva Majoli.
Also, the Foundation and the US Open honored our military veterans and service members with Military Appreciation Day held on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. The day was anchored by a tribute to the late 1943 U.S. Nationals champion Lt. Joe Hunt and featured Vice Admiral Walter Carter. It also honored 12 Wounded Warriors for their sacrifice, bravery and courage, with the military contingent being treated to a day of tennis in a luxury suite in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Finally, the Avenue of Aces is our most visible donor-sponsored program at the US Open. The Avenue of Aces is a collection of personalized bricks and pavers that form the pathway between the East Plaza Gate and Arthur Ashe Stadium. This year, 53 bricks and pavers were added to the Avenue and we hosted a celebration for our donors with Chairwoman of the Board Carillo.