USPTA Professionals Raise Nearly $5 million for Charity

-- Amount surpasses goal of $4 million in 2006 --

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Poornima S. Rimm
3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One
Houston,
(713) 978-7782
pr@uspta.org

03/02/07 - In 2006, United States Professional Tennis Association teaching professionals raised $4.9 million for charity through the association’s Lessons for Life™ program.
“Our goal was $4 million, so our members really worked the charity circuit hard this year,” said Paula Scheb, Lessons for Life Chairwoman and director of tennis and fitness at Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs, Fla.
A variety of charities benefit each year from the USPTA’s Lessons for Life program, including the American Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Scripps Stevens Cancer Center and many other national and local charities.
“Our members have really stepped up and made raising money and giving back to the community and important causes a priority,” said Scheb, a vice president on the USPTA national board of directors. “Many thanks to everyone who contributed.”
Lessons for Life became USPTA’s national charitable program in 1999. Through this program, the USPTA encourages its members to use tennis as a vehicle to help others through fund-raisers and other activities in their communities. Many of the fund-raisers take place at country clubs and commercial clubs, where the majority of USPTA Professionals direct tennis operations and programming. Fund-raisers take the form of tournaments, pro-ams, auctions, black-tie dinners and clinics.
Lessons for Life is officially celebrated in October, but events may be hosted any time during the year. People who are interested in participating in a Lessons for Life event should contact a USPTA professional in their area. USPTA’s Find-A-Pro service is available at www.usptafindapro.com or by calling (800) USPTA-4U for help locating a USPTA professional.

Founded in 1927, USPTA celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2007. It strives to raise the standards of the tennis profession while promoting greater awareness of the sport. USPTA offers more than 30 professional benefits to its 14,500 members worldwide, including certification and professional development. With more than 300 days of educational opportunities throughout the year, USPTA offers the most comprehensive continuing education program in the tennis industry. For more information, call (800) 877-8248 or visit www.uspta.com.

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