Tennis Greats and Celebrities to Attend ITHF Benefit
September 8, 2009
NEW YORK, NY — On the eve of the US Open Women’s Final, tennis’ legendary players, VIPs and celebrity fans will gather to honor the sport’s contributors and history at the 29th annual “Legends Ball,” an event which benefits the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, on Friday, September 11, beginning at 6:30 pm at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
The star-studded guest list includes; tennis legends Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles, Jimmy Connors, Stan Smith, Guillermo Vilas, Donald Dell and Tracy Austin; tennis dignitaries like Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe; and celebrity tennis fans such as Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, Miss USA Kristen Dalton and Real Housewives of New York City cast members Jill Zarin, Ramona Singer and their husbands. Roberts will emcee the star-studded event.
The special night of celebration, held annually since 1980, honors a bevy of tennis luminaries and the Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2009 – Donald L. Dell, Andres Gimeno, the late Dr. Robert Johnson and nine-time Grand Slam Champion Monica Seles. In addition, Tennis Channel will be presented with the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Award while the Eugene L. Scott Award will be awarded to the late Arthur Ashe and his wife Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe.
Guests will not only rub elbows with tennis royalty, but they will also have the opportunity to participate in live and silent auctions featuring dozens of unique items and experiences. Some items up for bid: autographed racquets from Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova; VIP ticket packages to three of the 2010 grand slam events; and hit sessions with Hall of Famers Monica Seles and Jim Courier. The auctions will also feature golf, baseball, hockey, basketball and football memorabilia and tickets, as well as exotic vacation packages. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. http://www.tennisfame.com/ithof.aspx?pgID=1079
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or to learn more about the event, call 212-843-1740, visit www.tennisfame.com or e-mail [email protected]. The mission of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, based in Newport, RI, is to preserve the history of tennis, inspire and encourage junior tennis development, enshrine tennis heroes and heroines and provide a landmark for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.