Washington Tennis & Education Foundation

WTEF News

WTEF Celebrates Another Successful Year at 2009 Tennis Ball Honoring Sheila Johnson and Andrea Jaeger

Washington, DC - 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.

Click here to view a full list of sponsors.

USTA Announces 2009 Community Partnership Investment Grant Recipients

Washington Tennis & Education Foundation of Washington D.C.

One of Eight Community Organizations Nationwide To Receive Inaugural USTA Grant

White Plains, NY - The USTA today announced that the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation in Washington D.C. has been awarded an inaugural Community Partnership Investment Grant (CPI). The grant, in the amount of $50,000, is one of eight grants awarded by the USTA which total $295,000. The grants are designed to support community based organizations who build tennis communities through collaborative and lasting partnerships. The organizations that were selected met the following criteria: increasing tennis participation, supporting tennis programming and fostering diversity with both participation and programming.

“We are thrilled to be able to invest over $500,000 to organizations all over the country that believe, as we do, that tennis can be the vehicle to improve the quality of life and education for both children and adults alike,” said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “These organizations are committed to growing the game of tennis by implementing important local programming such as the QuickStart Tennis play format and Jr. Team tennis. The USTA is proud to be able to assist them in their efforts.".

The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) was founded in 1955 as an organization designed to help disadvantaged youth through tennis. Since then, it has evolved into an organization that provides academic help to at-risk children by helping them to apply the lessons learned on the tennis court in the classroom and beyond. Today, WTEF is a leader in the best practice of providing academic enrichment, supplemented by tennis and life skills instruction, as a means for developing the skills necessary to achieve academic and personal success. WTEF’s mission is to improve the life prospects of DC-area youth, particularly those from lower-income communities, by providing athletic, academic, and life-skills activities that teach discipline, build confidence, and improve academic performance.

The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation is one of eight inaugural recipients of the Community Partnership Investment Grants, others include: Fort Collins Tennis Association; Rodney Street Tennis Association; Genesee Intermediate School District; Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation; Tenacity of Boston; Youth Tennis Advantage of San Francisco; and Portland After-School Tennis & Education.

All grants ranged from $25,000 to $50,000 and will be eligible for partial renewal for up to two years based on their progress. Following this period, these organizations are expected to be self-sustaining without additional USTA funding.

MEDIA CONTACT: Rita Garza, Director, Communications, USTA (914) 697-2223 or garza@usta.com

Click here to view national press release.

Andrea Jaeger: Pro Tennis Player, Children’s Cancer Foundation Founder & WTEF Tennis Ball Honoree

Washington, DC - The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) has announced professional tennis player
Andrea Jaeger as an honoree at the 2009 WTEF Tennis Ball. The event will be held on Friday, May 8, beginning at 6:00 pm, at The Ritz-Carlton (1150 22nd Street, NW in Washington, DC).

WTEF will present Ms. Jaeger with the Champion of Tennis Award, while previously-announced honoree Sheila C. Johnson, accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist, will receive the William H.G. FitzGerald Distinguished Service Award.

Ms. Jaeger became a professional tennis player at age 14, one of the youngest ever to do so, and rose to number two in the world at age 16, but her favorite tennis career moments were visiting children with cancer during her hospital visits and helping children around the world during tour stops. In 1990, after 7 shoulder surgeries, Ms. Jaeger launched a children’s cancer foundation using all of her tennis earnings. Little Star Foundation provides long term care and improves the quality of life for children with cancer and children in need, at no cost to families. In 2006, Ms. Jaeger became Sister Andrea, an Episcopal nun.

Ms. Johnson’s accomplishments span the arenas of hospitality, sports, TV/film, the arts, and humanitarian causes. As President & Managing Partner of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and a partner in Lincoln Holdings, LLC, Ms. Johnson is the first African-American woman to have a stake in three professional sports teams, including the Washington Wizards (NBA) and the Washington Capitals (NHL). She also is a founding partner of BET (Black Entertainment Television). Currently, Ms. Johnson is creating and championing films with a humanitarian message.

The WTEF Tennis Ball is the major annual fundraiser for WTEF, and all proceeds benefit WTEF and the children it serves. Dinner chairs for the 2009 WTEF Tennis Ball are Hillary Baltimore and Alan Raul. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, Silent Auction and Mini-Live Auction and continues at 8 p.m. with a dinner, program, Live Auction and awards presentation. Individual ticket prices are $500 per person and, new this year, $150 per person for those under 40 years old. There are sponsorship opportunities ranging from $3,000-$25,000.

WTEF would like to extend a special thank you to its “Friends of Sheila and Andrea” sponsors for the evening: Tom and Hillary Baltimore, Chevy Chase Bank, and GEICO.

The event also will include a VIP Round Robin tennis tournament on the clay courts at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center. It will feature doubles competition among tennis celebrities, members of Congress, Tennis Ball sponsors, media, and other VIPs from the DC business community.

For information on tickets, sponsorships or to donate an auction item, please call Talia Moyher at 202.291.9888 x222 or email at tmoyher@wtef.org.

Click here to view invitation.

2009 Tennis Ball Honoring Sheila Johnson

Washington, DC - The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) has announced Sheila Johnson will be honored at the 2009 WTEF Tennis Ball, which will be held on Friday, May 8th, at the Ritz Carlton (1150 22nd Street, NW, in Washington, DC). WTEF will present Johnson with the William H.G. FitzGerald Distinguished Service Award.

Sheila Johnson is an entrepreneur and philanthropist whose accomplishments span the arenas of hospitality, sports, TV/film, the arts, and humanitarian causes. She is CEO of Salamander Hospitality, LLC, overseeing a growing portfolio of luxury properties and lifestyle businesses. As President & Managing Partner of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and a partner in Lincoln Holdings, LLC, Ms. Johnson is the first African-American woman to have a stake in three professional sports teams, including the Washington Wizards (NBA) and the Washington Capitals (NHL). She is also a TV pioneer, having been a founding partner of BET (Black Entertainment Television) and the creator of the award-winning program Teen Summit. Currently, Ms. Johnson is creating and championing films with a humanitarian message. Her latest film, A Powerful Noise, premiered at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.

A dedicated activist, Ms. Johnson serves as a Global Ambassador for CARE, whose mission is to fight global poverty. Her focus is building solidarity and empowering women and girls to become catalysts for change in communities around the world. An accomplished violinist and avid sponsor of the arts, Johnson dedicates her time to organizations that give children and young adults the opportunity to express their creativity. She presently serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors of Parsons The New School for Design and sits on the boards of VH1 Save the Music, Americans for the Arts, the Curry School of Education Foundation at the University of Virginia, the University of Illinois Foundation, and the Tiger Woods Foundation. She is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

The WTEF Tennis Ball is the major annual fundraiser for WTEF, and all proceeds benefit WTEF, its programs, and the children it serves. Dinner chairs for the 2009 WTEF Tennis Ball are Hillary Baltimore and Alan Raul. The evening consists of both a Live and Silent Auction, dinner and recognition of the honorees.

The event will also include a VIP Round Robin tennis tournament on the clay courts at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center. It will feature doubles competition among tennis celebrities, members of Congress, Tennis Ball sponsors, media, and other VIPs from the DC business community.

For information on tickets, sponsorships or to donate an auction item, please call Talia Moyher at 202.291.9888 x222 or email at tmoyher@wtef.org.

Click here for the Tennis Ball Save the Date.

Washington Tennis & Education Foundation Named Winner of the Washington Post 2008 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management

Washington, D.C.- The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) was recognized on May 21, 2008 by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement as the 2008 winner of The Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management. WTEF will receive a $10,000 cash grant and a scholarship for one person to attend the Georgetown University Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership’s Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate Program.

The award selection committee noted several outstanding management practices for WTEF. Some examples of management excellence include:

Outstanding board involvement

Diversified fundraising activities

Effective use of employees and volunteers

Sound financial management practices

“Organizations such as WTEF are the heart of the Washington area nonprofit community,” said Betsy Johnson, the Center’s executive director. “We are pleased to acknowledge them as a stellar example that other organizations should follow.”

Now in its 14th year, The Washington Post Award is a competitive program open to all 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the Washington metropolitan area. Candidates are judged in the areas of fiscal management, information and communication, organizational development, people development, planning, resource development, risk management, and use of technology. The award is sponsored by The Washington Post Company, with additional support from RAFFA and Georgetown University’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership.

The award selection process entails three rounds. Applicants must answer pre-determined questions in the first two rounds. Once selected for the third and final round, qualifying organizations host a site visit, where they meet with the selection committee and answer any remaining questions about the organization’s practices.

Founded in 1955, WTEF’s mission is to improve the life prospects of DC-area youth, particularly those from lower-income communities, keeping them off city streets during the dangerous after school hours by providing athletic, academic, and life-skills activities that teach discipline, build confidence, and improve academic performance. WTEF provides opportunities and support for at-risk children to go to college and to obtain academic and athletic scholarships. WTEF programs have become a national model for other organizations across the country.

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement creates better communities by strengthening the capacity of nonprofit organizations throughout Greater Washington, D.C. We help our nearly 900 member organizations achieve their missions through education and training programs, networking, advocacy, and group buying power. For more information, visit www.nonprofitadvancement.org.

WTEF Breaks Records at 2008 TENNIS BALL Honoring Agassi & Case

Washington, D.C.- 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.

Click here to see the 2008 Tennis Ball's full list of sponsors.

VIP Round Robin Sponsor Official Airline of the 2008 WTEF Tennis Ball

Steve Case Joins Andre Agassi as Honoree at the 2008 WTEF TENNIS BALL, Friday, April 11

Foundation is Finalist for The Washington Post Award for Excellence in Non-Profit Management

Washington, DC - The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) has announced the addition of Internet innovator Steve Case as an honoree at the 2008 WTEF Tennis Ball, which will be held on Friday, April 11, beginning at 6:30 pm, at the Hilton Washington (1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW in Washington, DC).

WTEF will present Case with the William H.G. FitzGerald Distinguished Service Award, while previously-announced honoree Andre Agassi – five-time champion of the Foundation’s Legg Mason Tennis Classic – will receive the Champion of Tennis Award.

Steve Case is one of the co-founders of America Online (AOL), and was the company’s long-time CEO and Chairman. He is recognized as one of the most important Internet innovators. Since leaving AOL, Case has started Revolution LLC, a company focused on health and wellness.

The WTEF Tennis Ball is the major annual fundraiser for WTEF, and all proceeds benefit WTEF, its programs, and the children it serves. Dinner chairs for the 2008 WTEF Tennis Ball are Jerry J. Jasinowski and Isabel Jasinowski. The evening at the Hilton Washington consists of both a Live and Silent Auction, dinner and recognition of the honorees.

The event will also include a VIP Round Robin tennis tournament on Friday afternoon, from noon until 3 pm, on the clay courts at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center. It will feature doubles competition among tennis celebrities, members of Congress, Tennis Ball sponsors, media, and other VIPs from the DC business community.

For information on tickets, sponsorships or to donate an auction item, please visit www.wtef.org or call Dianne Ferring at 202.291.9888 x220.

In other news, The Center for Nonprofit Advancement announced that WTEF is one of three finalists for The Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management (along with MVLE and Urban Alliance). In addition to a $10,000 grant, the winning organization receives one scholarship to the Georgetown University Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership’s Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate Program. The remaining finalists receive an honorable mention award and a $2,500 grant. The award winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 21, 2008.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kerry Lynn Bohen (BWF Communications) 703.534.4600 x203

The Washington Post 2008 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management

Washington, D.C.- The Center for Nonprofit Advancement is pleased to announce the three finalists for The Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management. The organizations competing for this year’s $10,000 grant include:

In addition to the cash prize, the winning organization receives one scholarship to the Georgetown University Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership’s Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate Program. The remaining four finalists receive an honorable mention award and a $2,500 grant.

The award winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 following a best-practices workshop featuring participants from all five organizations. The workshop will be held at The Washington Post, 1150 15th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Registration will open in mid-April. Visit www.nonprofitadvancement.org for more information.

The Washington Post Award selection process entails three rounds. Applicants must answer extensive, pre-set questions in the first two rounds. Once selected for the third and final round, qualifying organizations host a site visit, where they meet with the selection committee and answer any remaining questions about the organization’s practices.

The Washington Post Award Selection Committee is comprised of experts in the field of nonprofit management from around the Greater Washington region. Every committee includes the previous year's award winner. The competitive program is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the Washington metropolitan area.

The Award program began in 1994 as a program of the Washington Council of Agencies, now known as The Center for Nonprofit Advancement. Recent past winners include Miriam’s House (2003), Bread for the City (2004), Higher Achievement Program (2005), N Street Village (2006) and Tahirih Justice Center (2007).

About the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation

The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the life prospects of DC area youth, particularly those from low-income communities, through tennis, educational, and community-building activities. WTEF’s goals are: (1) to keep children off city streets and engaged in productive activities that instill self-pride and discipline; (2) to provide opportunities for children to improve their academic performance and help them make choices that enrich rather than endanger their lives; and (3) to provide opportunities for inner city children to go to college and to obtain academic and athletic scholarships. For those not college bound, WTEF helps them to join the work force and make constructive life choices.

For more information about WTEF, visit www.wtef.org.