On May 21st, Five Seasons Northbrook Hosts Tennis Tournament Fundraiser and Dinner Reception
Five Seasons Family Sports Club in Northbrook is hosting a fundraiser and dinner reception on Saturday, May 21st for an organization dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged children.
The evening begins with a Tennis Opportunity Program (TOP) Doubles Tournament at the club, 1300 Techny Road, from 5 to 7 p.m. That will be followed by a reception and dinner that lasts until 10 p.m.
Founded in 1989, TOP provides tennis scholarships as well as support academically and personally to children from Chicago and throughout the suburbs. One of the highlights of the evening will be a current TOP participant sharing the not-for-profit's major impact on her life.
Throughout its 15-year history, Five Seasons has been committed to serving as a resource for the wider community and TOP's mission is a natural fit for the club, said Five Seasons Chief Club Officer Lina Lubbat.
"TOP plays a significant role in improving so many children's lives and we're excited to rally around such a worthy effort," said Lubbat. "We know the positive impact that athletics can have on an individual. It's a privilege to lend a hand in this way."
The event also includes a silent auction featuring highly coveted items such as sports memorabilia, four tickets to Coldplay at Soldier Field, autographed Roger Federer Grand Slam memorabilia, Serena Williams' autographed biography and autographed tennis ball, restaurant certificates and private tennis lesson certificates.
During the evening, each team will play at least three matches, with prizes going to winning teams. Tickets are $100, or $65 for those attending only the reception and dinner. Participants can register as a team or as individuals.
In its history, TOP has served more than 3,000 youngsters, from 4 to 18 years old. Over time, its focus has shifted to more intensive support of a smaller number of participants. TOP is currently serving 35 youths from a variety of communities such as Homewood, St. Charles, Lansing, Cicero, Evanston, South Holland and many children from Chicago.
Christine Julian, TOP's secretary and a five-year board member, said many of the children come from single-parent homes and would not otherwise have a chance to play competitive tennis.
Beyond the tennis mentorship, the group's focus is education and helping children become productive adult citizens. Every student who has stayed with TOP through high school has gone to college on an athletic or academic scholarship, said Julian.
"It makes such a huge difference in these kids' lives. Most of them would never have an opportunity to go to college," Julian said. "Many of them are the first in their family to attend college and receive degrees. It really does change their lives."
For more information or to purchase a ticket, please visit www.TOPTennisChicago.com.
TOP was founded by Roger Mitten, who also went on to serve as the tennis director at Five Seasons' sister club in Burr Ridge. Among those who have supported and endorsed the organization are Hall of Fame tennis players Billie Jean King, Tracy Austin and Jim Courier, as well as Katrina Adams, a former professional tennis player who is also the youngest president in the history of the United States Tennis Association.
For more about the Tennis Opportunity Program, including how to donate, volunteer or learn how to enroll your child, visit www.TOPTennisChicago.com.
Five Seasons Family Sports Club is online at http://www.fiveseasonssportsclub.com/northbrook.