2012 Tennis Ball

Art Monk and Charles Mann to be honored

The 2012 Tennis Ball will be held on Friday, May 11. It will be comprised of two events: The WTEF Tennis Ball dinner on Friday night and the VIP Round Robin tennis tournament on Saturday morning.

The WTEF Tennis Ball is the major annual fundraiser for WTEF, and all proceeds benefit WTEF, its programs, and the children it serves. The evening at The Ritz-Carlton consists of both a Live, Mini-Live and Silent Auction, dinner and recognition of honorees. This year, WTEF is pleased to present Art Monk and Charles Mann with The William H.G. FitzGerald Distinguished Service Award and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) with the Champions of Tennis Award.

Art Monk is known as one of the NFL's all-time leading receivers and one of the games' most reliable, hardworking and dedicated players in the league. He is also a founder of The Good Samaritan Foundation. Art's quiet strength fuels a determination and heartfelt longing to help make our community a better place for all people.

Charles Mann is a four-time pro-bowl defensive end and founder of The Good Samaritan Foundation, Charles is a giant among men and works harder than most to make a positive impact on the community. Devoting much of his time to charity, his desire is to help improve the physical, spiritual and moral fiber of our community.

The United States Tennis Association, led by Chairman of the Board and President, Jon Vegosen, is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the recognized leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level - from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization with more than 770,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns the 90-plus Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S, and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA philanthropic entity, USTA Serves, provides grants and scholarships, and supports, monitors and promotes programs that enhance the lives of underserved youth, at-risk children, and individuals with disabilities.

The VIP Round Robin Tournament (the morning after the event) features doubles competition among tennis celebrities, members of Congress, Tennis Ball sponsors, media, and other VIPs from the DC business community.

By sponsoring the WTEF Tennis Ball, one can receive benefits at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, held every year at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, DC, benefiting WTEF. It is an ATP "500" level tournament that is part of the US Open Series. The 2012 tournament will take place July 28 - August 5, 2012. One of the top 20 events in the world, the tournament attracts some of tennis's biggest stars including Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish, Gael Monfils, John Isner, James Blake, David Nalbandian, Fernando Verdasco and Marcos Baghdatis . Each year over 75,000 people attend the tournament. Additionally, it is broadcast domestically on ESPN2 and Tennis Channel as well as internationally to over 150 countries worldwide.

The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation Tennis Ball was held on Friday, May 20, 2011. The WTEF Tennis Ball is the major annual fundraiser for WTEF, and all proceeds benefit WTEF, its programs, and the children it serves. This fabulous record-breaking evening raised over $1 million for WTEF programs, the most successful fundraiser in WTEF's 55 year history.

The evening at The Ritz-Carlton consisted of both a Live, Mini-Live and Silent Auction, dinner and recognition of honorees. WTEF will honored Congressman Fred Upton with the William H.G. FitzGerald Distinguished Service Award for his public service and support of WTEF and Gigi Fernandez with the Champion of Tennis Award for demonstrating the courage, self-discipline and hard work required to be a champion on the court as well as the commitment to give back to the community.

Fred Upton, representative of southwest Michigan since 1987, was selected by his House colleagues to serve as Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Prior to his election to Congress, he worked for President Ronald Reagan in the Office of Management and Budget. Rep. Upton is also a former Chairman of both the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee and the House Subcommittee on Communication and Technology. He graduated from the University of Michigan and is an avid tennis player.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gigi Fernandez turned professional in 1983, becoming Puerto Rico's first female professional athlete, in any sport. After an illustrious career, Gigi retired in 1997, ranked #1 in the world in doubles. She had been consistently ranked #1 or #2 since April, 1991 and reached a career high singles ranking of 17. She holds seventeen Grand Slam doubles crowns and two Olympic Gold Medals! She was voted Puerto Rican female Athlete of the Century and is a member of International Tennis Hall of Fame. Since retirement from professional tour play, she has been a tennis coach and entrepreneur. She completed her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and she founded Baby Goes Pro, a company that provides children with products.

The VIP Round Robin Tournament, the next morning after the event, featured doubles competition among tennis celebrities, Tennis Ball sponsors, media, and other VIPs from the DC business community.

Thanks to Pro-Am Co-Chair, Brian Harris, the ATP and tournament manager, Lagardere, WTEF had one of the best player fields in the event's history. With the always entertaining Wayne Bryan providing commentary, each amateur player was paired with a professional and played doubles against another amateur and professional team. Professionals rotated through the courts and every amateur had the opportunity to play with a number of Legg Mason Tennis Classic players. ATP players who donated their time to the event were:

Singles Professional Players

Tomas Berdych	Michael Llodra
Alejandro Falla	Gilles Simon
Santiago Giraldo	Radek Stepanek
Andrey Golubev	Fernando Verdasco
Lleyton Hewitt	Kristof Vliegen

Doubles Professional Players

Simon Aspelin	Mark Knowles
Rohan Bopanna	Oliver Marach
Andrew Courtney	Marcin Matkowski
Martin Damm	Daniel Nestor
Mariusz Fyrstenberg	Andy Ram
Paul Hanley	Aisam Ul Haq Qureshi
Nathan Healey	Nenad Zimonjic
Julian Knowle

Following the event, participants enjoyed watching the evening's matches in WTEF's suite. Thank you again for everyone's support of WTEF and your enthusiasm for tennis. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

Junior Ambassadors Tennis Cup and National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) Competition (Oct. 28th-Oct. 31st) were two tremendous tournaments. The Junior Ambassador Tennis Cup showcased top junior tennis players from around the world playing against top players from the Mid-Atlantic NJTLs. This international tournament had participants from Canada, Slovakia and the three reigning 2010 World Junior Tennis Champions from Chile. The NJTL Competition welcomed more great Mid-Atlantic NJTL participants. The tournaments included many unique features, including the opportunity for tournament players to win entries into the 2011 BNP Paribas Cup in Paris, trips to the French and Indian Embassies, and workshops on what it means to be a champion on the court and in life and another on children's rights.

2010 WTEF Congressional Charity Tennis

The WTEF Congressional Charity Tennis Tournament (CCTT) took place on Monday, September 13th at the Washington Golf and Country Club. The event featured invited members of Congress and Tennis Legends. Tennis Legends in attendance were Owen Davidson, Fred Stolle, Murphy Jensen, Tom Gorman, Kathy Rinaldi, Virginia Wade, Zina Garrison and Fred McNair. The CCTT featured individual hitting time with the Legends, lunch and an afternoon doubles tournament.

A special thank you to our sponsors, including top sponsors General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman, members of Congress, Tennis Legends, and CCTT participants for making the event a great success. We hope to see everyone again next year!

WTEF Honoree, Mr. Calvin Cafritz, accepting award presented by WTEF Board member, Senator John Breaux

WTEF Honoree, Ms. Mary Carillo, accepting award presented by USTA President, Ms. Lucy Garvin

WTEF Honorees, Mary Carillo and MaliVai Washington, with Team Garrison lead by tennis champion Zina Garrison and Tennis Ball co-chair, Hillary Baltimore

The 2010 Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) Tennis Ball was held on May 7th at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC. The event was a great success for WTEF, raising over $933,000, and making it the second-most successful fundraiser in WTEF’s 55-year history. The evening consisted of a live, mini-live and silent auction, dinner and program. A special thanks to the over 650 attendees who joined us for the evening to celebrate both WTEF’s past year’s accomplishments and our honorees, Calvin Cafritz and The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Mary Carillo, and MaliVai Washington. WTEF was proud to announce the public phase of its capital campaign to build a new tennis, education, and community center in Ward 7.

This year’s honorees were three outstanding leaders, all of whom have contributed endless time, expertise, and means to improve the lives of at-risk children. Mr. Calvin Cafritz and The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation were presented with the William H.G. FitzGerald Distinguished Service Award for their work in the areas of community services, arts and humanities, education and health care. Ms. Mary Carillo and Mr. MaliVai Washington were presented with the WTEF Champion of Tennis Award for their achievements both on and off the court. Ms. Mary Carillo was recognized for her accomplishments in the broadcasting industry and most recent position as President of USTA Serves – the charitable and philanthropic entity of the United States Tennis Association. Mr. MaliVai Washington, a two time All-American and former tennis professional, was recognized for his commitment to serving at-risk youth using tennis through the development of his Foundation in the Jacksonville, FL area. These honorees demonstrated a selfless dedication to children and communities in need that inspired everyone who attended the event.

WTEF alumni, Richard W., moved the crowd with his heartfelt speech about his life story. Richard grew up playing on the courts in Southeast Washington with WTEF Program Director, Willis Thomas, but stopped attending programs as a teenager. After ending up in a juvenile facility, Richard earned his GED and now works for WTEF as a tennis coach. Richard’s speech reminded guests of the importance of providing accessible programs for children in at-risk neighborhoods. Richard was joined on stage by 6 current WTEF Center for Excellence students, who have achieved high academic status in their middle and high schools.

The next morning, sponsors participated in the Capital One Bank VIP Round Robin tennis doubles tournament with Mary Carillo and MaliVai Washington. WTEF welcomed local celebrities and media as team captains, while each team had the opportunity to play with and against MaliVai Washington, while Mary Carillo commentated.

WTEF would like to thank all the Tennis Ball’s sponsors and supporters for making the memorable evening possible.

The WTEF Congressional Charity Tennis Tournament (CCTT) took place on Monday, September 14th at the Washington Golf and Country Club. The event featured invited members of Congress and Tennis Legends and raised over $70,000 for WTEF. Tennis Legends in attendance were Owen Davidson, Colin Dibley, Murphy Jensen, Kathy Rinaldi, Sherwood Stewart, Dick Stockton, Zina Garrison and Fred McNair. The CCTT featured individual hitting time with the Legends, lunch and an afternoon doubles tournament.

A special thank you to our sponsors, including top sponsors Boeing and Northrop Grumman, members of Congress, Tennis Legends, and CCTT participants for making the event a great success. We hope to see everyone again next year!

On August 3rd, local supporters and Legg Mason Tennis Classic players came out to support DC's underprivileged youth at the SOLD OUT WTEF Pro-Am. Thanks to Pro-Am Co-Chairs Rafid Fadul and Brian Harris, the ATP and tournament manager, BEST, WTEF had one of the best player fields in the event's history. With the always entertaining Wayne Bryan providing commentary, each amateur player was paired with a professional and played doubles against another amateur and professional team. Professionals rotated through the courts and every amateur had the opportunity to play with a number of Legg Mason Tennis Classic players. ATP players who donated their time to the event were:

Singles Professional Players

Doubles Professional Players

Following the event, participants enjoyed watching the evening's matches in WTEF's suite.

The event raised $20,000 for WTEF. WTEF would like to thank all of the event's participants and volunteers for their support of WTEF's mission. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

The 2009 Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) Tennis Ball was held on May 8th at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC. The event was a great success for WTEF, raising over $775,000. The evening consisted of a live, mini-live and silent auction, dinner and program. A special thanks to the over 600 attendees who joined us for the evening to support both WTEF and our honorees Sheila C. Johnson and Andrea Jaeger.

This year’s honorees were two strong, powerful and passionate women who have chosen to use their personal success to give to those in need. Ms. Johnson was presented with the William H.G. FitzGerald Distinguished Service Award for her work in the arenas of hospitality, sports, TV/film, the arts, and humanitarian causes. Her speech displayed her genuine and abiding concern for the care and nourishment of children – their health, education and for their future. For this, Ms. Johnson has made a mark throughout our community and the nation. Ms. Jaeger was presented with the WTEF Champion of Tennis Award for her achievements both on and off the court. As the former #2 player in the world, Ms. Jaeger discussed how she has become a champion outside the sporting world through creating the Little Star Foundation. Ms. Jaeger’s efforts improve the quality of life for children with cancer worldwide. It was an honor to recognize them as they exemplify WTEF’s mission of serving the needs of those less fortunate.

WTEF senior and soon to be Winston Salem State University freshman, Bianka Locklear, moved the crowd with her heartfelt speech about her involvement with WTEF since the age of nine. Ms. Locklear was joined on stage by 11 current WTEF Center for Excellence students, who have achieved high academic status, as well as fellow Ladies of Promise, a counseling group for pre-teen and teen girls at WTEF.

The next morning, sponsors participated in the Chevy Chase Bank VIP Round Robin tennis doubles tournament with Andrea Jaeger and Murphy Jensen. WTEF welcomed local celebrities and media as team captains, while each team had the opportunity to play with and against Murphy Jensen.

WTEF would like to thank all the Tennis Ball’s sponsors and supporters for making the memorable evening possible.

On August 11th, the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation's (WTEF) Pro-Am was hosted at the William H. G. FitzGerald Tennis Center during the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. The event raised $10,000 for WTEF and was attended by the following Legg Mason professionals.

• 1st Hour: Mardy Fish, Paul Goldstein, Scott Lipsky, James Cerretani, & David Martin
• 2nd Hour: Jesse Levine, Sebastian Prieto, Robert Lindstedt, Ashley Fisher, & Misha Zverev

WTEF would like to thank all of the event's participants and volunteers for their support of WTEF's mission.

The 2008 Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) Tennis Ball held on April 11th proved to be a record-setting night thanks to the over 750 people who came out to support WTEF along with honorees Andre Agassi and Steve Case. The event raised over $1 million for WTEF, breaking all previous records for fundraising. The evening, which consisted of a live and silent auction, dinner and program, took place at the Hilton Washington.

Agassi was presented with the “WTEF Champion of Tennis Award” for his accomplishments both on and off the court. His speech, urging attendees to get involved in their communities and give back, was a highlight of the evening. The “William H.G. FitzGerald Distinguished Service Award” was presented to Steve Case for his work tackling social challenges with innovative solutions. Both honorees exemplify WTEF’s mission of helping underprivileged children.

WTEF graduate and current Shippensburg University sophomore, Kevin Tindle, stole the show with his emotional speech about his involvement with WTEF since the age of four. Tindle was joined on stage by 7 current WTEF Center for Excellence students who have distinguished themselves in the classroom.

Earlier in the day, sponsors participated in the PhRMA VIP Round Robin tennis tournament with Andre Agassi. WTEF welcomed local celebrities and media as team captains, while each team had the opportunity to play with and against Agassi.

WTEF would like to thank all the Tennis Ball’s sponsors and supporters for making the memorable evening possible.

WTEF and John Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center teamed up on September 10th to host the 11th Annual Congressional Charity Tennis Classic at Washington Golf and Country Club Tennis Center in Arlington, Virginia. The tournament featured eight tennis legends, including Virginia Wade, Ross Case, Kathy Rinaldi, Owen Davidson, and Roy Emerson. Sponsored by area business groups, including Boeing and Pfizer, the event offered an opportunity for local tennis enthusiasts to come together for a delicious lunch, followed by a round robin tournament. The even netted more than $70,000 in much-needed contributions for the WTEF and the Sidney Kimmel Center.

On Monday, July 30, WTEF hosted a benefit pro-am tennis tournament, featuring male and female pros from the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. The event took place from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center. This one-of-a-kind opportunity allowed Pro-Am participants to partner with and play against professional tour players in a fun environment.

Some of this year’s pro participants included the # 1 Doubles Team in the world, Mike and Bob Bryan, Amer Delic, Arnaud Clement, Tommy Haas, David Martin, and Radek Stepanek. Following tennis with the pros, WTEF invited each participant and a guest to watch the evening matches in an air-conditioned suite with dinner and beverages.

Parents, students, Board members and representatives of Legg Mason once again had an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the Legg Mason/WTEF Center for Excellence (CFE) Senior Scholars at the Russell Senate Office Building on June 21. For the tenth consecutive year, one hundred percent of CFE graduates gained admission to college on an academic or athletic scholarship.

Speakers that evening included Keynote Speaker and tennis legend Zina Garrison, WTEF alumna Chelsi McCalla, and special guest Peter Bain, Executive Vice President of Legg Mason. Legg Mason once again serves as the sponsor of the senior class. Senior class member Adrian Robinson received the Dwight Mosley Award for his exceptional scholastic achievements and involvement in the community.

2007 Tennis Ball

Raising a Racquet for Kids
In the Classroom & on the Tennis Court

Accolades for Patrick McEnroe, Donald Dell, and Chip Mason at the 2007 WTEF Tennis Ball

The 2007 Washington Tennis & Education Foundation Tennis Ball took place May 5, 2007 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC. This very special event included the chance to meet and mix with WTEF’s distinguished award honorees at an exclusive gala dinner, and to enjoy top-tier live and silent auctions.  Bob Madigan, WTOP Radio’s Man About Town, served as Master of Ceremonies for the festivities.
WTEF honored three exceptional individuals for their support of WTEF and contributions to the community:

• Patrick McEnroe, tennis great, accomplished commentator and President of the USTA Tennis and Education Foundation. Read More
  WTEF Champion of Tennis Award Recipient
• Donald Dell, tennis legend and Group President of SFX Media and Events. Read More
  WTEF Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
• Raymond A. “Chip” Mason, Legg Mason founder and civic leader.
  Read More
  WTEF William H.G. FitzGerald Distinguished Service Award Recipient

The event was preceded by the Chevy Chase Bank VIP Round Robin tennis tournament, held that morning, which featured doubles competition among tennis celebrities, Tennis Ball sponsors, media, and other VIPs from the DC business community. During the Round Robin, WTEF received a special visit from DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, who cheered on “Team Fenty” and addressed the crowd regarding the need for after school programs such as those offered by WTEF.