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In his remarks, Mayor Bloomberg emphasized the important role that NYJTL plays in providing free tennis and education for New York City youth.
NYJTL supporters rallied during the auction of a one-hour doubles match against brothers John and Patrick McEnroe, generating a record-setting bid of $100,000 for the match from prior Civic Leadership award recipients William Ackman and Craig Effron. Other popular auction items included four tickets to the 2011 US Open President’s suite donated by USTA president-elect Jon Vegosen.
The luncheon raised more than $475,000 at the event. All proceeds go directly to NYJTL programs due to the generosity of the Benenson family, which has underwritten luncheon expenses for 25 years.
Newly appointed USA Davis Cup captain Jim Courier and NYJTL founder Lewis “Skip” Hartman were recipients of NYJTL’s annual Civic Leadership Awards, which were presented by broadcaster Mary Carillo and former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins. Maurice DuBois. CBS-2 News Co-Anchor, was master of ceremonies.
In presenting the Civic Leadership Award to Hartman, Mayor Dinkins recognized that for the past 40 years, Hartman has dedicated his energies to building the nation’s largest and most extensive network of junior tennis and education programs in underserved neighborhoods throughout New York City’s five boroughs. Beginning in 1971 with an operating budget of $11,000 at five New York City sites for eight weeks in the summer serving 500 children, Hartman said NYJTL has grown to an annual $10 million budget serving more than 100,000 youth year-round.
Carillo introduced Courier by noting that he had for many years demonstrated a personal commitment to youth. She said his legacy in the sport of tennis has been defined not only by the numerous titles he has won, but also for the sportsmanship and contribution to tennis and youth organizations such as NYJTL.
Upon accepting his award, former world No. 1 Courier, who co-founded Courier’s Kids, a non-profit organization that supports tennis programs in the inner city of St. Petersburg, FL, reaffirmed the importance of NYJTL’s commitment to build the Cary Leeds Tennis Center.
About The Annual Civic Leadership Awards Luncheon
Each year, New York Junior Tennis League invites supporters to help raise funds for NYJTL programs and to honor the recipient of the Civic Leadership Award. Speakers include NYJTL participants, former world-class tennis champions, and prominent and influential members of the media and community.
Through the generosity of the Benenson family, who has generously underwritten the Luncheon for the past 25 years, all donations will directly benefit NYJTL.
Download Event Materials
For More Information
Please contact Pamela Glick at 347-417-8146 or pglick@nyjtl.org.
NYJTL programs are made possible by the generous support of corporate citizens, public officials and individuals. Click here to learn more.
