By E.J. Crawford, USTAFoundation.com
The USTA Foundation is teaming with the Connecticut Alliance for Tennis and Education to celebrate how tennis and education can leave a lasting impact on those in need.
The Foundation and the Connecticut Alliance are partnering to host the sixth annual Connecticut Pro-Am and Gala, Aug. 25-26, at the Stanwich Club in Greenwich, Conn. On Thursday, Aug. 25, there will be a competitive junior clinic, led by some of the nation’s top coaches, followed that evening by the gala. On Friday, Aug. 26, the pro-am will bring together tennis icons, enthusiasts, celebrities and rising stars.
The gala and the pro-am will raise money to help fund The USTA Foundation’s commitment to improving the quality of life among our nation’s youth, military heroes and people with disabilities through tennis and education, as well as The Alliance’s mission to support local Community Tennis Associations that serve thousands of youth throughout Connecticut.
“This summer’s pro-am and gala will surely be another success as the USTA Foundation and Connecticut Alliance come together once again with the same goal of helping youth in need,” said Dan Faber, USTA Foundation executive director. “The state of Connecticut is made up of many outstanding NJTL (National Junior Tennis & Learning) tennis and education programs, and we are truly excited to be a part of their growth and success.
“The Foundation is grateful to the local supporters and look forward to raising funds that will positively impact these programs. And a special thanks to the Connecticut Alliance for their continued efforts.”
Leading the gala as honorary chair is International Tennis Hall of Famer Nick Bollettieri, who will be on hand to meet with guests throughout the evening. The night will also feature a live auction, where supporters will have an opportunity to bid on exclusive, one-of-a-kind packages and experiences.
The pro-am will begin Friday, Aug. 26, at 9 a.m., with a doubles round robin featuring former tennis pro and USTA Player Development General Manager Martin Blackman, along with past champions and numerous up-and-coming tennis stars, all of whom will be paired with Foundation donors.
Synchrony Financial, one of the premier consumer financial service businesses in the U.S., based out of Stamford, Conn., will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Pro-Am and Gala for the second consecutive year.
“The Connecticut Alliance for Tennis and Education has been grateful to partner with the USTA Foundation and its exceptional team,” said Alex Seaver, chairman of the Connecticut Alliance. “Both organizations share the mission of utilizing the wonderful game of tennis to reach out to thousands of underserved youth, providing both on-court instruction and off-court education and mentoring.”
To date, the USTA Foundation has awarded more than $22 million, benefitting thousands through tennis, college scholarships, and education and health programs. The Connecticut Alliance for Tennis and Education is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that supports local Community Tennis Associations that, through tennis and higher education opportunities, annually serves more than 1,000 children who live in economically challenged communities within various cities in Connecticut.