Hi,
MTEF’s Summer Programs Break All Records
Tennis is alive and well here in Milwaukee and some of its popularity is due to the growth of the Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation. MTEF’s free youth tennis and reading program attracted 3,700 children (an increase of 616% from 2006) this summer and our adult lesson and league program grew to 364 adults at eight city and county parks. Strategic partnerships and the selection of MTEF as one of the four national recipients of the Ford Foundation’s “Community Building Through Tennis” initiative were instrumental factors in this summer’s success.
One of the highlights of the summer was a visit from Jessica Doyle, wife of Governor Jim Doyle. Mrs. Doyle, a lifelong educator, was in town touring different reading programs and she selected our Sherman Park program because of publicity from the Ford initiative.
As summer draws to a close we celebrated by hosting the 1st Annual Mayor’s Cup Junior Tennis Tournament at Sherman Park. We now turn our attention to after-school programming and our biggest fundraising gala of the year, the MTEF Tennis Ball. Held September 29th at the Zoo’s Peck Pavilion we hope attract 450 attendees and raise over $100,000 for MTEF’s youth program.
As one of the founders of NJTL in 1969, Arthur Ashe demonstrated that tennis can be a powerful and cost-effective tool to change the lives of central-city children by using tennis as a way to gain and hold their attention in order to teach them about matters more important than tennis. As an NJTL chapter, MTEF has set out to change the world right here in Milwaukee by incorporating these same beliefs.
I hope you’ll join in helping us change the world for Milwaukee children by attending this year’s Tennis Ball. I think you’ll be inspired by what you see. Don’t wait as we have already sold 46 of the possible 56 tables.
Sincerely, |
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| Jay Massart |
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MTEF Tennis Ball Dinner & Auction Gala
On Saturday, September 29th the Milwaukee County Zoo will be the place to be for an evening of fun and fundraising at the 9th Annual MTEF Tennis Ball & Auction Gala. The event, which raises money for the MTEF youth central-city TEAM program, is co-chaired by Christy Beckmann and Nancy Massart, and includes entertainment from one of the area’s most popular groups, The Eddie Butts Band.
This year’s theme “We Believe a Tennis Ball Could Change the World” will highlight success stories of everyday children who have been positively affected by participating in the TEAM program. Join radio personality Steve “The Homer” True, honorary chair Kris Barrett, local dignitaries and business leaders as we celebrate our successes and look to the future of improving the lives of children through tennis and education, one child at a time. Highlights of the evening will be our youth awards presentation and the MTEF TEAM video.
To read more about the MTEF Tennis Ball Dinner & Auction Gala click here
Fall TEAM Program
Like our summer program, this fall’s TEAM After-School program will be something new from past offerings. MTEF’s Summer Tennis and Reading program will be used as a feeder system to attract talented, motivated, deserving individuals, ages 10-14 years old, for an intensive tennis, academic and life skill program. Summer site leaders have selected the most qualified individuals to receive an invitation to participate in our fall program. The invitational-only program will include parental support, attendance requirements and a full school year commitment. To read more click here.
Fall Adult Lessons and Leagues
The fall USTA Metro Adult League program begins August 14th at various citywide locations and the lesson program begins the week of August 27th. It’s not too late to join in one of the MPS/MTEF adult tennis lessons or to become part of a team in the USTA Metro Adult League. Act now, time is running out!
The Metro Adult League started this past week but there’s still time to join. Registration is open through the month of August for the hottest adult tennis league in the state and its right here in your own backyard. Take advantage of the USTA’s special U.S. Open membership offer and sign-up today. Registration is easy, just contact Essie Herron at eherron@mtef.com. or call the MTEF office at (414) 442-8195. Don’t wait, join today!
Tennis lessons are open to individuals from beginner (2.0) to tournament player (4.0), and are a great way to get involved in a fun and structured learning environment. To register call Katie Seitz at (414) 475-8410 or email her at Katie@milwaukeerecreation.net.
This Month at MTEF
MTEF Places 1st in the Midwest and 2nd Nationally in Arthur Ashe Essay Contest
The Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation submitted the most Arthur Ashe Essay Contest applications in the five state USTA/Midwest Section and came in second nationally with 188 entries. A mandatory component of our after-school TEAM program, the contest requires children answer the question “Why is Arthur Ashe a Legend?”
In addition to the foundation receiving honors, two participants were sectional winners in their respective age divisions. Reginald and Raven Lee, participants from Sherman Park, both won in the 10 and under divisions.
To read more about the Arthur Ashe Essay Contest click here.
Community Tennis
The month of July was busy with MTEF’s Pro-Am & Reception and NJTL Rally, featuring tennis legend Gene Mayer. The Pro-Am & Reception, held at the beautiful Milwaukee Country Club provided an atmosphere of great tennis, friends and fun while giving people the opportunity to learn more about MTEF.
This summer’s free NJTL Rally, our best ever, drew 343 children and 73 volunteers out to the courts at Merrill Park. After an inspirational opening speech by Gene Mayer kids were treated to an afternoon of tennis instruction, games, prizes and fun. All participants were given a complimentary t-shirt and free lunch for attending.
Please click here to read more on the MTEF Pro-Am & Reception.
Please click here to read more about the NJTL Rally.
Get Involved
As a volunteer-based organization, the Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation has a history of community involvement. Working together, volunteers and staff promote and develop the game of tennis in the Milwaukee area. If you love tennis or children, believe in the power of education, or understand that it takes only one to make a difference in someone’s life, I urge you to consider joining the MTEF team.
Are you looking for a unique way to contribute to the mission of MTEF? Please consider an in-kind donation to help with the continued growth of our programs. To view the MTEF Wish List click here.
Questions or commetns about any of the aforementioned information? Please feel free to contact us at:
Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation
3000 N. Sherman Boulevard
Milwaukee, WI 53210
Phone: (414) 442-8195
Fax: (262) 250-1393
Or if you would like to send us an email click here jmassart@execpc.com
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