NYJTL Hosts 500-Plus for Annual Summer Gala With the Stars

August 28, 2015 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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On a beautiful August night in New York City, more than 500 attendees took part in the New York Junior Tennis League’s (NYJTL) Annual Summer Gala With the Stars. Luminaries from the worlds of tennis, finance and the New York social scene came out to support one of the largest tennis and education-themed organizations in the country.

Former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, NYJTL Founder Skip Hartman and other supporters helped celebrate the efforts of the group, which reaches out to more than 75,000 New York City youth.

“In the two weeks of the U.S. Open, $750 million is generated to the economy of New York, more than the Knicks, Rangers, Mets and Yankees combined, and this is the kickoff event” said Dinkins.

More than 500 partygoers honored the NYJTL's work and, in particular, the grand opening of the $26.5 million Cary Leeds Center for Tennis and Learning in the Bronx's Crotona Park. Through silent auctions and donations, the Summer Gala With the Stars is expected to raise more than six figures.

Polly Scott, NYJTL board member and director of development, said that it is the younger members of the tennis community that make the event the success that it is.

“The young people in the tennis community make this event so special, this is really about reaching out to the kids of NYC through the tennis community,” said Scott. “Young tennis players, old tennis players … this is a way for all of us in the tennis community to reconnect as we do every year before the Open.”

In addition to the spread of food and open bar, guests enjoyed entertainment, including a live band, photo booth, gondola rides and a magician. A silent auction was also conducted, with prizes ranging from hotel and vacation stays, to Legends Seats at Yankees Stadium.

“Everybody has a good time, it’s a lot of young people, and it’s a really diverse event in terms of age,” said Hartman. “It’s got a lot of energy to it. This event is about bringing new people in to make contact with the organization.”

Credit all photos to Luzena Adams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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