40-Love. This score represents a commanding lead in tennis, and for the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program (HJTEP), “40-Love” also represents the celebration of its 40th anniversary this year.
HJTEP’s goal is to continue to score a commanding lead in life for program participants, and its year-long celebration kicks off with a Celebrity Pro Am on Monday, May 7 at the prestigious USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y.
Matches begin at 2 p.m. with tennis champions John and Patrick McEnroe, Jim Courier and James Blake. Other tennis greats such as Justin Gimelstob, Gigi Fernandez, Mary Joe Fernandez, Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin will pair with amateur participants.
The finals will be played at Arthur Ashe Stadium followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and a silent and live auction. This exceptional event will bring together tennis greats, celebrities and donors who support HJTEP’s community services programs. Premium auction items include autographed player memorabilia, U.S. Open President’s box tickets, fine dining at local restaurants, Grand Slam packages, resort and spa packages and much more.
For 40 years, HJTEP has helped to pave the road to success for children in Harlem through tennis and education programs. “Our fundraiser is significant because it brings everyone together who believes in and supports our program. Current participants and alumni, donors and tennis greats all inspire each other,” said HJTEP Executive Director Katrina Adams. “When all of these people come together for a worthy cause, great things can happen.
“We are very excited about our 40th anniversary celebration as we look forward to the support of the Harlem community and the tristate area to ensure our future.”
HJTEP is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Its mission is to bring the values that can be learned through tennis to youth from high-risk, low-income inner-city neighborhoods and to offer opportunities for self-development while highlighting education and a positive code of behavior.
Program contributions are gracefully accepted. For more information, call (212) 491-3738 or visit www.hjtep.org.