Opening Night Gala Raises $3M+ for USTA Foundation

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FLUSHING, N.Y., Aug. 29, 2023 – The USTA Basis, the nationwide charitable arm of the USTA, introduced that it raised greater than $3 million throughout its Opening Night time Gala on the 2023 US Open, the group’s largest annual fundraising occasion.

Since its inception, the USTA Basis has awarded greater than $64 million in grants and scholarships. These funds help the Nationwide Junior Tennis & Studying (NJTL) community, which leverages tennis, training, and life expertise programming to 1000’s of youth nationwide. The NJTL community, which now consists of greater than 270 chapters, was created in 1969 by tennis legend Arthur Ashe, together with Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder, and goals to offer under-resourced youth with the instruments they should assist them succeed each on and off the court docket.

For the sixth consecutive 12 months, ESPN served because the presenting sponsor of the Opening Night time Gala, hosted by award-winning journalist and USTA Basis Participant and Celeb Advisory Council member Katie Couric. Couric additionally led a stay public sale the place supporters might bid on expertise and objects.

The occasion additionally honored 18-time Grand Slam singles champion and USTA Basis Board Chair Chris Evert with the “Serving Up Goals” award. Evert was offered the award for her help and dedication to the ideas and beliefs of the USTA Basis.

“The generosity of our donors and company companions may have a tangible impression on tens of 1000’s of younger individuals throughout the nation,” mentioned USTA Basis Board President Kathleen Wu. “We’re grateful for his or her help of our mission and dedication to serving to us develop the subsequent era of leaders on and off the tennis court docket.”

Supporters in attendance included actor and comic Danny DeVito, Grammy award-winning artist Seal, tennis champion Maria Sharapova, US Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, trend icons Anna Wintour and Vera Wang, journalist Gayle King, businessman and “Shark Tank” investor Daymond John, former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, and lots of extra.

For extra data on the USTA Basis, please go to ustafoundation.com and observe @USTAFoundation on Instagram, Fb, and LinkedIn.