City Parks Foundation Honors Locals at Annual Dinner
On Aug. 28th, the City Parks Foundation held a Tennis Benefit dinner and reception on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at the 2012 U.S. Open. This annual fundraiser helps to provide free accessible tennis instruction and equipment to more than 8,000 kids at 40 parks citywide. The event was hosted by Budd Mishkin, and co-chaired by both Billie Jean King and John McEnroe.
Sabrina Bragerton-Nasert, a 17-year-old junior player, who played out of Silver Lake Park, was recognized at this year’s dinner. She has come up through the City Parks Foundation program and won the Chase Aces Tournament twice. Sabrina was sent to London by City Parks in 2010 to compete and will be attending the College of Staten Island Honors Program where she will play number one singles in the fall.
“The dedication the workers and coaches have towards the program. I wouldn’t be here tonight without them. They support you the entire way and give you every opportunity to get better and achieve everything. Dreams.” said Sabrina about her history with the City Parks Foundation staff.
This year’s Vitas Gerulaitis Community Service Award, an annual award given to a single deserving figure, was presented to Pam Shriver, a 22-time Grand Slam Champion and current tennis commentator.
“City Parks pays individual attention to what your needs are because they want each kid to reach their fullest potential,” said Sabrina when asked about what separates City Parks from the rest of her tennis playing experiences.
The evening concluded with both a silent and live auction with proceeds benefiting the foundation and a viewing of the U.S. Open night session.
Some of the auction items on display during the City Parks Foundation Tennis Benefit Dinner
Attendees were on hand to support the hard work of the City Parks Foundation
Billie Jean King (right) presents the Vitas Gerulaitis Community Service Award to Pam Shriver (left)
