2024 Annual Tennis Creates Gala presented by Onelife Fitness

Get Ready for the 2024 Annual Tennis Creates Gala!

Herndon, VA (Tuesday, June 25, 2024) – Mark your calendars for the event of the year! The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation (USTA MAF) is thrilled to announce the 2024 Annual Tennis Creates Gala presented by Onelife Fitness will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at the fabulous Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C.

This year’s Gala theme celebrates the USTA Mid-Atlantic’s commitment to fostering Community, Character, and Well-Being across the Mid-Atlantic region. All proceeds will support three impactful programs: Girls Rule the Court™, Community Facilities Restoration, and Junior Player Scholarships.

A Night of Glamour and Giving

Presented by Onelife Fitness, the Gala promises a night to remember with a VIP cocktail reception, a gourmet three-course dinner with wine pairing, and the prestigious Tennis Creates Awards. The evening will be filled with live music, dancing, and a chance to bid on incredible items during the silent and live auctions, along with a mission moment paddle raise. All of these festivities support USTA MAF’s mission to promote tennis for healthier lives and stronger communities, ensuring the sport is accessible to everyone in the Mid-Atlantic.

Introducing your Gala Hosts

Adding star power to the event, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe, will host the Gala. Known for their roles as actors, models, and philanthropists, Nicole and Boris bring their passion for giving back to the Mid-Atlantic area. They will be joined by professional tennis players, Hall of Famers, leading philanthropists, sports professionals, broadcasters, and numerous VIPs, including business leaders and government officials.


Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night! Join us at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now – get yours before they’re gone!

Meet the Gala Co-Chairs

Maria and Kirk Galiani

Local business leaders and philanthropists, Maria and Kirk Galiani, support numerous causes throughout the Washington, DC area. Kirk, Founder and Co-Chairman of Onelife Fitness, one of the largest health club chains in the country, and Maria, the Principal Interior Designer at the Galiani Group, which specializes in high-end residential design, are deeply committed to giving back to their community. Their dedication to the sport and its positive influence on individuals’ health and wellness exemplifies the spirit of giving and community, making them invaluable partners in the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Gala.  


Lee and Henry Fonvielle

President of Rappaport, Henry Fonvielle, and his wife Lee are esteemed and generous donors and ardent supporters of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. Their unwavering commitment to advancing the mission of the Foundation has made a significant impact on the tennis community in the Mid-Atlantic region. Henry, who also serves on the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Board of Directors, and Lee have helped provide numerous opportunities for youth through the Girls Rule the Court™ program. This includes overseeing the funding and establishment of Alexandria Girls Rule the Court™, fostering a sense of community, health, and well-being through tennis

Sponsorship Spotlight

We are immensely grateful to our presenting sponsor, Onelife Fitness, for their unwavering support and dedication to promoting health and wellness in our community. Their partnership plays a crucial role in making this event a grand success. Other major partners include: 

2024 Presenting Sponsor

Onelife Fitness

2024 Vision Sponsor

Hyundai USA

2024 Impact Sponsor

Charlotte and Taylor Chess

2024 Girls Rule the Court Legacy Sponsor

Rappaport

If you are interested in sponsoring the gala, please reach out to Anita Walker at awalker@mas.usta.com.

Exciting Auction Items

Get ready to bid on a fantastic array of auction items! From exclusive tennis memorabilia and luxury vacations to unique experiences and fine dining, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or find the perfect gift, the auction is sure to have something that catches your eye.


If you are interested in donating an auction item to the Gala, please fill out this form.

The Tennis Creates Awards

One of the highlights of the evening is the Tennis Creates Awards, which honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the sport and the community. These awards celebrate the spirit of tennis and the positive impact it has on lives across the Mid-Atlantic region.


Learn more about the Tennis Creates Awards and nominate a game changer today!

Meet Your Gala Hosts

Nicole Ari Parker: Seven-time NAACP Image Award nominee Nicole Ari Parker is best known for her outstanding performance as “Teri Joseph’ on Showtime’s award-winning original series “Soul Food.”  Most currently, Parker stars as Lisa Todd Wexley in the HBO Max comedy-drama series “And Just Like That,” the sequel to HBO’s hit series, “Sex and the City.”

Boris Kodjoe: German native Boris Kodjoe is best known for his role in the television series “Soul Food,” which earned him three NAACP Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor. In 2019, Kodjoe joined as a regular on the Shonda Rhimes ABC series “Station 19.”

Tickets are on sale now! Let’s create a positive impact and celebrate the game changers in our tennis community!

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being. Make an impact beyond the net and donate today.

Shaza Andersen, Beth Twomey, Frances Tiafoe, Pam Shriver, Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro
Frances Tiafoe, his brother Franklin Tiafoe, and Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) smiling at the camera at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Centennial Gala
Gala Guests enjoyed a moving program and were generous in support of the mission of USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation

How You Can Give to Grow Tennis this Summer!

Kids want to play tennis and all we have to do is put them on a path to get into the game. But sometimes, things get in the way. The cost of lessons or tennis summer camp fees, or even equipment can be more than some can afford. This is why we fundraise! 

Your support helps youth players in need access the benefits of tennis. By contributing, you ensure all children have equal opportunities to enjoy the physical, social, and emotional advantages of playing tennis.

All children deserve to play tennis and scholarships from USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation make it so more youth can get into and stay in the sport.

Join USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation and support the Summer Smash challenge. This year all money raised in the challenge will fund scholarships for youth tennis players. 

And we need you now more than ever. 

The 2024 spring Junior Player Scholarship application period saw an incredible 40% increase since 2023. We’ve received more applications than ever before. We will exhaust all of our scholarship funding in this first round of applications. But so many more kids need help and need to be able to play tennis! 

Tennis continues to be an outlet for kids to get involved, make friends, and be active.  This year’s Summer Smash challenge will directly fund our Junior Player Scholarship so that  youth tennis players can gain the healthy benefits of the sport we all love! 

Let’s Smash the Challenge Together 

This challenge provides a fun, easy way for your team to compete against other Mid-Atlantic teams to see how much money you can raise for the USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Scholarship program. It’s truly a special experience. 

“It’s fun sharing something important to me and telling others about its benefits,” said Robin Sanford, the top fundraiser in the 2021 Summer Smash Challenge. “I also love a challenge!”

Since 2018, USTA Mid-Atlantic has awarded scholarships to 179 youth players to help cover expenses related to tennis and keep them playing. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to fund more youth player scholarships and meet the growing needs of players and their families/caregivers. 

Thanks to two generous donors, your impact will be doubled with a matching offer up to $5,500! This means we can raise even more this year, maximizing the benefits for our scholarship program with each donation.

Here are the easy steps to get your fundraiser on a roll: 

  1. SIGN UP
    Click here     to register as an individual with the option to join a team later!
  2. SHARE YOUR PAGE
    Personalize your page with your tennis story, photos and videos then share the news with your network.
  3. GET MORE SUPPORTERS
    Ask your friends and tennis teammates to join your team; you can send them a custom link to sign up on your dashboard. Also, share your fundraising page with friends and family asking them to support you so that more kids can experience the benefits of tennis!

“I set up my page and then emailed it to about 15 people individually, who I thought might be willing to help,” Sanford said. “These were family and friends who I thought would be willing to support my effort and help a good cause, they responded very generously.”

Here are four tips to help guide you toward a successful fundraiser: 

  • Make your first donation to your page, $5, $10, $25 or more is a great way to get started and show others you really care. 
  • Invite your fellow tennis players to join your fundraising team so that together you can reach your goal!
  • Share your fundraising page with family and friends and ask them to help you reach your goal. Share your page in a text message, on your Facebook page or Instagram page or even send an email! Friends help friends that ask! 
  • Send thank you notes to all who donate to your page and let them know they are helping to change lives through the sport of tennis!

The Perks of the Summer Smash 

Now, we do know tennis players love a little friendly competition! In recognition of that, you and your team could WIN big by going big with your efforts.

Summer Smash 2024 top fundraiser prizes:

  • Mubadala Citi Open Team Experience! Includes (15) tickets for your team to attend the 2024 Citi Open together this summer in Washington, DC among other surprises!
  • Enjoy a 2-hour tennis clinic for 8 at The Boar’s Head Resort, followed by refreshing beverages with your team at a local brewery in Charlottesville, VA.
  • Enjoy a Pickleball Social with a 90-minute clinic and a round-robin tournament for 16 people, including 8 players and their guests!

The challenge ends July 17th, so let’s get started!

Participating in Summer Smash is a great way to begin leaving your impact on the Mid-Atlantic tennis community, but your journey doesn’t have to stop there! If you’re looking to do more to grow tennis in your community, there are various ways to get involved year-round and make an impact.

Questions? Contact Anita Walker, Director of Development, awalker@mas.usta.com

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.

Adult men laughing with each other on the tennis court

Leap Into Tennis: 29 Ways to Make the Most of Leap Day on the Court

Leap Day, occurring once every four years, offers a rare chance to add a little excitement to our tennis game. Let’s take advantage of the extra day to  celebrate both the sport and the spirit of leap year. From volunteering with USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation to unique skill challenges, Leap Day presents 29 opportunities to deepen our bond with tennis and unite the Mid-Atlantic tennis community. Lace up your tennis shoes, grab your racquet, and join us on this journey of creativity, fun, and dedication to tennis!

1. Volunteer with USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation! If you’ve been nervous to volunteer or didn’t know where to start yet, take a leap and contribute to your community through tennis with us!

2. Try playing a game of leapfrog on the tennis court between sets with the young people in your life.

3. Practice your serves and hit 29 serves in a row.

4. Challenge yourself to hit 29 consecutive volleys with a partner.

5. Set up a mini obstacle course on the court and go through the obstacle. 

6. Host a Leap Day-themed tennis party with leap-themed decorations and snacks.

7. Hit 29 drop shots in a row to improve your touch at the net.

8. Play a game of “Leap Day Bingo” with tennis-related challenges for each square.

9. Take a leap of faith and try hitting a new trick shot.

10. Consider donating 29 tennis balls to a local tennis coach you know or to a public school in need!

11. Create a 29-song playlist and play it when you are on the court.

12. Design and share Leap Day tennis memes or jokes on social media. Tag us on social media, @ustamidatlantic

13. Watch 29 minutes of tennis instructional videos on our USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation YouTube channel! 

14. Invite 29 friends to play tennis in a local court near you. 

15. Write a letter to your favorite tennis player or coach expressing your appreciation for the sport.

16. Practice your footwork by doing footwork ladder drills for 29 seconds.

17. Hit 29 overhead smashes in a row.

18. Introduce 29 different skills to the beginner tennis players in your life!

19. Organize a tennis-themed scavenger hunt with 29 clues hidden around the court.

20. Create a vision board with your tennis goals for the remainder of the year.

21. Take a leap and sign up for a tennis workshop to improve your skills. USTA Mid-Atlantic hosts numerous workshops throughout the year, check back often for upcoming opportunities! 

22. Practice hitting your forehand against the wall or partner and rally 29 times. 

23. Host a Leap Day movie night featuring the documentary “Break Point” on Netflix. Enjoy watching tennis favorites, including Mid-Atlantic’s very own, Frances Tiafoe!

24. Practice mindfulness on the court by taking 29 deep breaths between games.

25. Challenge yourself to hit 29 consecutive backhands down the line.

26. Organize a Leap Day tennis tournament with friends or local players.

27. Create a collage of your favorite tennis memories from past Leap Days.

28. Take a leap forward in your fitness routine with a tennis-specific workout.

29. End the day with a leap-themed celebration, like a victory leap or group jump photo on the court. 

As Leap Day wraps up, let’s cherish the memories and keep the tennis spirit alive until the next leap year. Enjoy every moment on the court this Leap Day! 🎾🐸

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.

groups of children sitting around the coach on a tennis court

Girls Rule the Court™

About Girls Rule the Court™?

Girls Rule the Court™ (GRTC) is a program from USTA Mid-Atlantic to promote health, wellness, and teamwork while building self-esteem through tennis for young girls. The program teaches the basics of tennis to girls in a fun and rewarding environment led by female tennis coaches and mentors.

At the Core of the Court

As a nonprofit organization, USTA Mid-Atlantic envisions Girls Rule the Court as a way to help close the gap on physical and wellness opportunities offered for young girls, increase sport participation among girls, and promote multigenerational connection and mentorship through positive female coaches and role models. Reaching young girls in under-resourced communities with Girls Rule the Court is a critical component of the program. 

Girls Rule the Court tennis programs for girls are offered thanks to the support from grants and individual gifts. Support Girls Rule the Court and become part of our Founders Court with a gift today.

More than Tennis

Participants create meaningful and beneficial connections while engaging in important dialogue about teamwork, empowerment, and the benefits of physical activity.  Girls Rule the Court is tennis for girls where they can have fun, make friends, and get active their way.

Creating Community 

Currently, Girls Rule the Court is running in a pilot phase in select locations in the Mid-Atlantic Section. Program Locations:

  • Baltimore, Md.
  • Loudoun County, Va. 
  • Charlottesville, Va. 
  • Louisa, Va. 
Register Here

Creating Character 

Girls find access and connection to the lifelong sport of tennis while growing their technical, tactical, and performance skills.  During Girls Rule the Court sessions, participants learn important character-building skills to take into the real world. 

Donate to GRTC

Creating Well-being 

GRTC seeks to elevate participants’ social networks and social capital through tennis to help young girls aspire to dream. Important social-emotional lessons are delivered and measured to understand the program’s effectiveness on positive youth development. 

See More

Outside the Court

Thank you to our supporters

Baltimore:

  • Kahlert Foundation
  • PNC Bank

Loudoun:

  • Northern Virginia Community Foundation- Community Investment Fund
  • Nicole Leppert
  • April Providakes
  • Pamela Nix
  • River Creek Tennis Association
  • Dimick Foundation

Charlottesville/Louisa:

  • Andy Larson
  • Marsha Musser
  • MarieBette Bakery
  • Ann Hay Hardy
  • Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty
  • Louisa County Community Fund/Charlottesville Community Foundation

GRTC in the News

The buzz around Girls Rule the Court is undeniable. The excitement about the program and the emphasis on giving young girls access to the everlasting benefits of tennis is getting some noteworthy news. Check it out! 

WMAR-TV (ABC) Baltimore – ‘Girls Rule the Court’ inspires young girls to learn the game of tennis, watch here

WVIR-TV (NBC) Charlottesville – Free tennis lessons taught to young girls, watch here

Neela W: A Story of Gratitude and Tennis Passion in the Mid-Atlantic

As we continue to celebrate 100 years of tennis in the Mid-Atlantic, we are forever reminded that this milestone would not be possible without the incredible people of the past and present day who embrace the mission, and embody our guiding pillars of community, character, and well-being through tennis. We are sharing and celebrating their stories, and the next one comes from Neela W. 

Neela is a sophomore in high school in Maryland. She plays tennis on her varsity team and trains at the 4 Star Tennis Academy. Neela recently became a volunteer with USTA Mid-Atlantic and offered her time to write a personal essay – in her own words – about what tennis means to her and how the sport impacts her life. 

For as long as I can remember, tennis has been a part of my life. Even before I was born, most of my family enjoyed playing tennis. While my grandpa loved playing for fun with my mom, my dad and aunt both played competitively. I began playing tennis with my dad when I was five years old. Tennis originally started as a fun hobby and a way to spend time with my father, but quickly grew into a more serious activity. By the time I turned nine, I was taking group lessons and playing competitive matches. By age 12, I played my first tournament.

The week leading up to my first tournament, I worked extremely hard with my dad and coach. I remember getting more and more nervous as the start day approached. However, the second I hit my first shot, my nerves started to subside. I ended up finishing second in the tournament as I won three out of four matches. After I exceeded my own expectations, I was truly hooked on the game. I planned to enter more tournaments the following summer. 

However, before I could register for summer tournaments, the pandemic happened. The whole world shut down, and as a result I could not play tennis. This was the first time tennis was taken away from me, as all the public tennis courts and training centers were closed. I could no longer go to a public park to play or even just hit on a concrete wall. Even though my tennis game suffered because of the lockdown, the real lesson I learned is not to take tennis for granted. Every day, being able to hit on the court is a privilege, and not something to be taken for granted.

Gratitude is ultimately what tennis means to me. I am lucky to be able to play this game. It is an absolute privilege to push myself every day in practice, constantly improve my game, and compete with other players. And although difficult, I try to let this lesson of gratitude spill over in other aspects of life. So for me, tennis is not just a sport, but a mindset. I really cannot imagine my life without tennis.

Stay up to date with USTA Mid-Atlantic’s Centennial Celebration by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

This year USTA Mid-Atlantic, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is celebrating 100 years of promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Get involved and show your support for the next 100 years of tennis. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.