WHITE PLAINS, August 31, 2022 (USTA Press Release)
The USTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association Incorporated (USTA), today announced that it raised a record-breaking $3 million during its 2022 Gala – surpassing the $2 million raised in 2021. The gala was hosted on Opening Night at the 2022 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and co-chaired by sports broadcaster Bill Macatee and Tatiana Cancro of Jersey Mike’s.
The Gala, emceed by actor Anthony Anderson, was attended by celebrities and long-time supporters of the USTA Foundation including Hugh Jackman, Rebel Wilson, Katie Couric, Mike Tyson, Anna Wintour, Vera Wang, Gayle King, Francisco Lindor, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Gladys Knight, Lindsey Vonn, Martina Navratilova, and USTA Foundation Chairperson Chris Evert.
“This was an incredible night that saw everyone come together to support our mission of changing lives through tennis and education,” said USTA Foundation Board President Kathleen Wu. “The impact of the funds raised tonight will make a difference for thousands of under-resourced children who will benefit from the community programs supported by the USTA Foundation.”
The USTA Foundation honored ESPN and Kevin Martinez with its Serving Up Dreams Award. The Serving Up Dreams Award honors years of leadership, support and dedication to the principles and ideals of the USTA Foundation. ESPN has continually demonstrated its commitment to help advance the USTAF mission and NJTL network. Martinez, ESPN’s Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and USTA Foundation Advisory Board Member, has led ESPN’s social responsibility efforts to use the power of sport to make a positive change in our society.
The USTA Foundation Gala’s sponsors included ESPN, Jersey Mike’s, Cadillac, Chase, Rolex and Deloitte. Funds raised will continue the Foundation’s mission to fund tennis and education programming for hundreds of community-based, grassroots programs across the country benefiting thousands of youth.
More than $330,000 was added to the evening’s total during an exciting live auction hosted by Anderson and highlighted by on-stage appearances from tennis greats Bob and Mike Bryan, and Martina Navratilova. Auction items included Super Bowl, US Open and Wimbledon packages along with private hitting sessions with the Bryans and Navratilova.
