Octagon to donate $250,000 to USTA Serves
October 13, 2013
McLean, Va. — Global sports and entertainment leader Octagon today announced it will donate a total of $250,000 to USTA Serves, the national charitable foundation of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Over the next five years, USTA Serves will receive $50,000 annually that will go towards helping the organization continue to fulfill its mission of supporting tennis programs for youth and people with disabilities. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Octagon has developed its strong industry reputation through its success in tennis and continues to be a leader and major supporter of the sport.
“This donation represents our ongoing commitment to the sport of tennis and to the important work being done by USTA Serves,” said Octagon President and Founder, Phil de Picciotto. “Octagon is pleased to be able to help such a worthwhile series of programs.”
USTA Serves, founded in 1994, seeks to support and fund community outreach programs that enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth through the integration of tennis and education. In addition, they work with them to develop and enhance their capacity-building skills, as well as maintaining accountability. While heightening the importance of education, the foundation addresses critical health issues and general well-being by using tennis as the catalyst and change agent. To date, USTA Serves has awarded $16 million in grants and scholarships to people and programs throughout the country. That total includes more than $12 million to fund 247 programs in 47 states, including more than $900,000 to adaptive tennis programs for people with special needs, and $4.5 million in college scholarships and player incentive awards to more than 900 middle school students and high school seniors.
“USTA Serves is grateful to Octagon for this generous donation that will help to advance our mission of providing opportunities for disadvantaged youth and people with disabilities through tennis and education,” said Dan Faber, USTA Serves Executive Director. “Over the next five years, these donations will make a difference for so many children around the country and we are grateful for Octagon’s contribution to this important cause.”