HJTEP 2025 Gala Press Release

HARLEM JUNIOR TENNIS & EDUCATION PROGRAM GALA TO CELEBRATE CHILDREN AND HONOR SUPPORTERS

Chris Evert and Morgan Stanley to Be Recognized at Annual Gala on May 12 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City

NEW YORK, NY - April 9 – Luminaries from the world of tennis, celebrity tennis fans, philanthropists, and supporters will gather to celebrate the impactful work of the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP) at the organization’s 53rd Annual Gala on May 12 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. Tickets for the gala are available at https://us.givergy.com/hjtep2025gala/?controller=home.

Patrick McEnroe will emcee the star-studded gala celebrating the achievements of nearly 1,000 young people who benefit each year from HJTEP’s tennis and education programs.  Both a live and silent auction will raise critical funds needed to support these programs.

Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert will be honored with the Shining Star Award, while Morgan Stanley will receive the HJTEP Corporate Award. The evening will also feature a special performance by Broadway star Norm Lewis, who will sing “Home” from The Wiz and the classic “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha. HJTEP alum Vashni Korin will share how her time at HJTEP helped shape her path to becoming an award-winning documentary filmmaker.

“The success of HJTEP for more than half a century would not have been possible without the selfless commitment of people like Chrissie and corporations such as Morgan Stanley, who have supported our mission and helped us grow,” said HJTEP Executive Director Katrina Adams. “We look forward to using this remarkable event to thank our friends and supporters, introduce them to many of the young people directly benefitting from our programs, and raise significant funds to continue our mission.”

The Shining Star Award honors Evert for her unwavering dedication and transformative impact on HJTEP. As Chair of the USTA Foundation, she has long championed NJTL chapters, including HJTEP. A tennis icon, broadcaster, philanthropist, and businesswoman, Evert captured 18 Grand Slam singles titles—including a record seven French Open crowns. Post-retirement, she has become a respected ESPN analyst, founded the Evert Tennis Academy, and has actively advocated for cancer awareness and youth empowerment.

The HJTEP Corporate Award recognizes Morgan Stanley for its strong commitment to tennis through community initiatives, sponsorships, and player partnerships. As a global financial leader, the firm supports major tennis events and emerging talent while promoting inclusivity and access to the sport. For the past two years, in the week leading up to the US Open, Morgan Stanley has partnered with the WTA Foundation to host the “Come Play presented by Morgan Stanley” community outreach initiative for HJTEP. This special event features a coach’s clinic for HJTEP staff, and a junior clinic led by Judy Murray and current WTA players. The program utilizes tennis to positively impact communities by encouraging youth of all ages and abilities, with a focus on girls, to lead healthy and productive lives on and off the court.

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The live auction, always a highlight of the night and an important fundraiser, will feature a variety of exclusive packages, including:

• 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells: A pair of mid-level box seats during the second week, plus round-trip first-class travel
• 2025 US Open ESPN Experience with Chris Evert: Two seats in an ESPN Suite, including backstage access at the practice or South Plaza set taping with Chrissie, plus round-trip transportation and hotel
• Luxury Villa Getaways in Mykonos & Tulum

The silent auction will feature:

• Martha’s Vineyard Golf Paradise: A four-bedroom house in Vineyard Haven with access to Farm Neck Golf Club and the exclusive Vineyard Golf Club
• Sag Harbor Weekend (Long Island) in September, 2025
• Two Tickets to the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage in September, 2025
• Dinner for Four at Grand Banks:  The historic wooden sailboat docked in Tribeca
• Private Tennis Lesson with Anna Tatishvili at the River Club

About HJTEP

The Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program builds champions for life in tennis, education, and wellness. HJTEP continues to bring tennis to youth from high-risk, low-income inner-city neighborhoods while offering opportunities for self-development, emphasizing education and a positive code of behavior. Tennis teaches children essential life skills, sportsmanship, self-discipline, social and emotional competence and how to lead healthier lives.

HJTEP emphasizes academic achievement, and the average GPA of participants is 3.1. The 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization opens a new door for many underserved boys and girls, ages 6-18, to learn the game of tennis and to achieve academic success.  With a 95% high school graduation rate, 25% of graduates earning tennis scholarships, a 3.1 average GPA for participants, and more than 80% of program graduates attending college, HJTEP’s results speak for the continuing success of its programs.

Partnering with local schools and community centers, HJTEP serves students year-round during the school year and with summer programs.  The experience on the courts and in HJTEP’s education programs develops the “whole child”—in sports, school, and life. Tennis teaches kids essential life skills, sportsmanship, self-discipline, social and emotional competence, and how to fight obesity and lead healthier lives. In their after-school programming, participants also learn to improve communication skills and raise their fitness levels.  For more information visit www.HJTEP.org 

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Media Contact: Doug Drotman (631-897-3672 doug@drotman-pr.com)