Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program Announces 2026 Gala Honoring Joakim Noah

The Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program is proud to announce its 2026 Annual Gala, a premier black-tie fundraising event in New York City taking place on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom.

The HJTEP Annual Gala is the organization’s most important fundraising event of the year, bringing together celebrities, community leaders, donors, alumni, corporate partners, and advocates in support of underserved youth in Harlem and beyond. The evening raises essential funds to sustain and expand HJTEP’s after-school programs, summer camps, and community services, which use tennis as a powerful tool to promote academic success, life skills, personal well-being, and positive youth development.

This year, HJTEP is proud to honor Joakim Noah, former NBA All-Star and philanthropist, with the Shining Star Award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to empowering youth and communities through sport, education, and social impact.

HJTEP will also present the Corporate Award to Parkway Venture Capital - Jesse Coors-Blankenship and Gregg Hill, Co-Founders and General Partners - for their continued support of HJTEP’s mission and longstanding commitment to community impact.

Past HJTEP Galas have honored legendary athletes including Chris Evert, Billie Jean King, and Stan Smith, alongside philanthropic and business leaders such as BET, Johnson & Johnson, and Morgan Stanley, reflecting HJTEP’s long-standing tradition of celebrating excellence and leadership.

The 2026 Gala will take place at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, located at 141 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019, with cocktails beginning at 5:45 PM, dinner at 7:00 PM, and dancing at 9:15 PM. Guests are invited to attend in cocktail attire.

Proceeds from the event will directly support HJTEP’s mission to foster champions in tennis, education, and wellness, ensuring that young people in Harlem have equitable access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive.

To purchase tickets, visit HJTEP.ORG/GALA