USTA Foundation chairperson Chris Evert featured on Good Day New York and Good Day LA this week to discuss the "Rally to Rebuild" fundraising campaign in support of National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Launched on Monday, "Rally to Rebuild" is a recommitment effort by the USTA Foundation and its network of donors, educators and friends of tennis to give financial support to NJTL chapters across the country that saw local sources of funding cut or reduced and fundraising events canceled or postponed as a result of the pandemic.
The USTA Foundation has pledged more than $4 million to support these chapters, which are opening their doors again this summer for modified programming in line with health and safety directives, in overcoming these challenges.
"We're recommitting right now because of the results of COVID-19. Everything hasn't been taking place, but we want to make sure that the 250 programs that we have, servicing 160,000 kids, that they have a safe place, a a safe haven, for this summer and the rest of the year," Evert said on Good Day LA.
"It's all for the kids at the grassroots - not every kid can afford an academy, not every kid can afford tennis lessons. We're bringing it to everybody, and the nice thing is, it's mixed with education."
Speaking to the local audience, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion highlighted NJTL chapters in Inglewood, South Pasadena and Los Angeles, as well as the work the former US Open champion Sloane Stephens and her charitable foundation are doing in Compton.
In an interview with Rosanna Scotto on Good Day New York, Evert added: "We want to get these kids back playing, being disciplined and having goals," highlighting the work that former USTA president Katrina Adams does with the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program, as well as NJTL chapters in the Bronx and Brooklyn.
Click here to watch Evert's appearance on WNYW's Good Day New York and here to watch her interview with KTTV's Good Day LA.