Tennis Is Love
Tennis champs compete in Pink Day challenge to support Susan G. Komen
The 16th annual Challenger of Dallas tennis tournament at T Bar M Racquet Club went pink in support of Susan G. Komen Dallas County. Guests — decked out in pink, naturally — came to watch some of the world’s top tennis players compete and raise money for the fight against breast cancer.
The morning began with a VIP coffee with honorary host Tracy Austin, a two-time U.S. Open Champion, former No. 1 on the WTA tour and internationally acclaimed tennis commentator. Select enthusiasts were invited to this this meet-and-greet for a chance to chat with one of the best in the game.
After coffee, attendees headed to the tennis court, where emcees Jane Slater and J.D. Miles from CBS 11 introduced Austin, who gave an inspiring speech about her tennis career. Guests — including Molly Hamilton, Brittain Watson, Robin Bagwell and Lois Finkelman — spent the rest of the day enjoying lunch by Wendy Krispin Catering, watching tennis, shopping at the booths and bidding at the silent auction.
The event festivities also included a sponsor party to thank everyone who helps make this the largest indoor pro men’s tennis event in North Texas. Guests — including Nichole and Kurt Thomas, Katy and Lawrence Bock, Alan Bernon, and Rajeev Ram — were treated to Latin music by the Marcelo Berestovoy Trio and food provided by the racquet club.
Seventy-five percent of the net funds raised from Pink Day stay in Dallas County to support breast cancer education, screening, treatment and support services for uninsured and underinsured Dallas County residents. The remaining 25 percent benefits national scientific research to help find a cure.
Pink Day at Challenger of Dallas was created six years ago by Mary Evelyn Raedisch, who is the Pink Day honorary chair and a two-time breast cancer survivor.