Tennis Opportunity Program (TOP) Nets Over $9,000 at Five Seasons Northbrook Event

Five Seasons Family Sports Club in Northbrook recently was the picture-perfect scene for a doubles tennis tournament and fundraiser that supported an organization dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged children.

Held on Saturday, May 21, the Tennis Opportunity Program (TOP) event featured plenty of fun, good tennis on the club's outdoor courts in perfect weather as well as a range of valuable items that generated funds through silent and live auctions.

Among the highly coveted items was a suite for 20 people at the Coldplay concert at Soldier Field, autographed Roger Federer Grand Slam memorabilia, Serena Williams' autographed biography and autographed tennis ball, restaurant certificates and private tennis lesson certificates.

The doubles tournament was followed by a reception and dinner. The event netted more than $9,000 for TOP, which provides tennis scholarships as well as support academically and personally to children from Chicago and throughout the suburbs.

"Five Seasons was a wonderful venue for our tournament and fundraiser," said Christine Julian, who serves as secretary on the TOP board of directors. "Our guests had fun playing outdoors, the food was delicious, the auctions and party were enjoyed by all, and most importantly, we raised needed funds for our students."

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.

The organization is accepting applications through June 30th from families seeking to have a child placed in next year's program, which runs from September through May 2017.

TOP was founded in 1989 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 enroll your child, visit www.TOPTennisChicago.com.

Five Seasons Family Sports Club is located at 1300 Techny Road in Northbrook and is online at http://www.fiveseasonssportsclub.com/northbrook/