LAS VEGAS TENNIS SUPER STARS MARTY HENNESSY JR. TENNIS FOUNDATION, AND RYAN WOLFINGTON’S FOUNDATION’S CHARITY GALA IS ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS, TO DATE – 85 FULL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS!

Written by: Staff on 20th April 2016

LAS VEGAS TENNIS SUPER STARS MARTY HENNESSY JR. TENNIS FOUNDATION, AND RYAN WOLFINGTON'S FOUNDATION'S CHARITY GALA IS ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS, TO DATE - 85 FULL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS! |

THE PHYSICIANS’ AND BARRISTERS’ BALL CHARITY GALA RAISES NEARLY $250,000 FOR THE MARTY HENNESSY INSPIRING CHILDREN FOUNDATION

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation hosted their 14th annual Gala at LAVO Casino Club on April 15.

The Gala raised funds through sponsors, ticket sales, a silent auction and a “Sponsor a Child” campaign that according to the Executive Director is tracking to raise close to $250,000. Thanks to Sean and Ana Wolfington and The Wolfington Family Foundation, 100% of the money raised by the Foundation goes directly and solely into programs. Further, 100% of the Gala expenses were covered by sponsors, keeping with the Foundation’s long time practice of having all of the funds raised benefitting the children’s programs.

One of the world’s top professional tennis players Sloane Stevens was in attendance and was the first to “Sponsor a Child,” to help support the Foundation to “Inspire Children through Mentoring, Education, Leadership Development and Athletics.” Four hundred and fifty guests attended the Gala to raise funds and awareness for their 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The Foundation was started fourteen years ago by Ryan Wolfington and Marty Hennessy with help from entertainment legend Tony Bennett and legendary tennis coach and father Mike Agassi.

“This year’s event was made special by the youthful energy of the venue,” said Volunteer and Co-Founder of the Foundation Ryan Wolfington. ” LAVO Casino Club made it fun, exciting, filled with dancing and good time to deliver a non-traditional fundraiser.”

The Foundation’s “TEAM BRYAN Leadership program,” which is funded by the Gala and the number one tennis team in the world, Bob and Mike Bryan, has a 100% success rate in getting children off the streets and into college on scholarship. Through their efforts, 85 youthhave gone on to gain admissions and scholarships to colleges such as Stanford, Princeton, Harvard, Wharton School of Business at University of Pennsylvania, The Air Force Academy, Vanderbilt, Georgetown and Villanova. Due to the success of the program, the United States Tennis Association is duplicating their “Excellence Team” and Leadership Program in twelve states.

The Gala auction included the Ultimate Mayweather Package, Celebrity Chef Dinner experience with Wynn’s Allegro Chef Enzo Febbraro, Mike Agassi Day of Training, Tickets to BNP Paribas Open, the Miami Heat and High Rise package, Center for Sight Lasik package, as well as beautiful vacation homes in Hawaii, Lake Tahoe and Kirk Sanford’s luxury estate in Zion National Park. Bidding and winning many of these items was Las Vegas entertainer Gordie Brown. Special guests included founding Advisory Board Members Mike Agassi and entertainer Clint Holmes, City Councilman Rikki Barlow and City Councilman Stavros Anthony, Danny Tarkanian, NCAA Champion Tim Blenkiron, and Marty Hennessy.

UPCOMING EVENTS

THE CHARITY TENNIS CLASSIC

The Charity Tennis Tournament begins a week following the Gala on Sunday, April 24. The tournament was the largest in Nevada the last few years. Hundreds of players from all walks of life and ages, including lawyers, doctors, judges and other members of the tennis community, will compete in both adult and junior singles, doubles and mixed doubles draws. Finals matches are held on Sunday, May 1 and will include a brunch thanks to Granello Bakery.

Matches will be held at Lorenzi Racquet Club, located at 3075 W. Washington Ave. The Sunday finals, complete with chair umpires and ball kids, will begin at 9AM.

To sign up for the tournament go to www.CharityTennis.org.

DOCTORS v. LAWYERS SHOWDOWN

At noon on Sunday, May 1st, the “Doctors vs. Lawyers Showdown” will take place at Lorenzi Racket Club. Last year the doctors narrowly edged out the lawyers in a very close and entertaining afternoon of fun and competitive tennis, with over 40 competitors representing both teams.

For those interested in making an impact in their local community and getting involved in this life-changing organization, please visit www.inspiringchildren.net or call 702-767-7531.

To see a video about the Foundation program, created and edited by the youth and “Junior Video Producers,” go to: https://youtu.be/dEf8X3E787A

About the Marty Hennessy Jr. Tennis & Education Foundation

Founded in 2004, the Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire children through mentoring, education, leadership development and athletics. Founders Ryan Wolfington and Marty Hennessy together have raised millions in the community for children in need. The Foundation in return has generated a 7:1 return on that investment with nearly $15 million dollars worth of college scholarships for their youth. To date, they have helped 85 youth gain admission and scholarships to colleges like Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, Wharton School of Business at Penn, Vanderbilt, Georgetown and Villanova. For more information please visit www.InspiringChildren.net