The Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame Host a Star Studded Luncheon
On November 29, the Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame hosted a star studded luncheon sponsored by the Stirling Club, Granello Bakery and Charlie Palmer Group. A number of dignitaries and well known celebrities attended, including Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf and singing sensations Tony Bennett and Phyllis McGuire.
Legendary coach and tennis dad Mike Agassi was inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with community legend Ann Rockwell and junior legends Catrina and Christian Thompson.
Clint Holmes was the Master of Ceremonies and helped put together a spectacular afternoon of entertainment, which including a perfomances by the MTV boy band of the year MOSAIC and Ellie Smith.
Homes did a a beautiful rendition of his hit, “If not now, when.”
“The Hall of Fame celebrates the greatness of the inductees while also helping the lives of children,” said founder and USTA-Nevada Executive Director Ryan Wolfington. “Having Andre and Steff come and pay tribute to Mike was by far the highlight of the day.”
Speeches from Andre Agassi, Bennett and the other inductees gave tremendous meaning to the special day. Bennett said that of all the people he has met in his life, among kings and queens, presidents and celebrities, that his best friend is our own “Dean of the Pros” Marty Hennessy, who has spent the last 35 years supporting the community and children who have talent, but not enough financial resources. VegasTennis.com’s Marty Hennessy Jr. Tennis Foundation has helped hundreds of children get off the streets and onto the tennis courts, with 17 of those children now playing college tennis on scholarships.
The Foundation, co-founded by Hennessy and Ryan Wolfington, was started five years ago and teamed up with the USTA-Nevada to put together the first ever Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame.
It’s success was in large part due to many of the sponsors, including Winnie and Bob Schulman, the Tomchin Family Foundation, Kirk Kirkorian, Rashae and Jeff Taylor, Laurie Steeds Granello Bakery (which did the amazing desserts), Bruce Eichner, Joy Bell, Sandy White, Joey Cusamano, Laura and Dr. Mulkey, Jenna McIntoch, Rick White, Henrieta Coleman, Marcia Niska, Kelly Clinton and her Production company, Mark Kreisberger, Stirling Club Membership Director Kathleen Gustafason, Barry Levinson, Mel Myers, Claudine Grant, Janet Ford, Paul King, Sharon and Rudy Prieto, Jeff & Bil Clark, Fred Chin and Evan Forrrest, Glen Alenik, Peg Franchetti, Dana and John Goyak, Peggy Donohue, Diane and Jerry Wendel, Jeff and Irene Frasier, Tony Ghandour, Sharon and Norm Jenkins, David Dinkins, Irena Devin, Jeanie Haskell and Len Robinson, Rose Rogers, Perry Rogers, Scott Karaosa, and of course Andre Agassi and his wife Steffi Graff. Sponsors included Montecito Companies, Taylor Famly Foundation, Massage Advantage, Kelly Clinton Productions, Marriott, Lake Las Vegas and USTA-Nevada.
A special live auction was held, with Phyllis McGuire and Dr. Niuton Kiode both winning a rare original Andre Agassi signed DONNAY tennis racket from his first years on the tour. Countless people sponsored children through the Hennessy Foundation and USTA-Nevada. To sponsor a child, call Wolfington at 702-822-1081.
All proceeds from the event went to USTA-Nevada which promotes, grows and administers the game in Southern Nevada. Their programs and scholarships help juniors reach their greatest potential. More information can be found at nevadatennis.usta.com.
Funds also went to support the Hennessy foundation, which inspires children in need through mentoring, tennis and education. More information can be found at www.LasVegasTennis.com
Bryan Brothers “Lavo” Weekend
Thanks to Glen Alex of Massage Advantage, the second annual “Camp Bryan” raised over $1,600 for USTA-Nevada programs. The weekend of tennis included local pros Misha Yevtich of Darling Center, Tim Blenkiron from the Las Vegas Hilton, Laurie Warder and the Bryan Brothers coach, David MacPherson.
Players enjoyed a clinic with the world’s No. 1 doubles team, as well as an afternoon pro-am. Alex, who does massage therapy for the Bryans, puts on this annual event to raise funds for USTA-Nevada and to bring the community together.
After the weekend of tennis, LAVO and TAO owner Jason Straus welcomed all USTA members to a special Bryan Brothers VIP party at his new ultra lounge and restaurant in the Venetian, which included free drinks. Jason also treated 50 local pros to free dinners as well. Mike Bryan’s girl friend Lucille was surprised with a cake and candles for her birthday in the nightclub after dinner, while USTA members got the chance to meet the worlds best doubles team up close.
Sponsors of the tennis and fun weekend include USTA-Nevada, LAVO, the Stirling Club, Tennis Habitat, VegasTennis.com, Tennis Channel, Oakley, Las Vegas Hilton, Massage advantage and Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals.
For massage information, or to be included in next year’s event, call Alex at 702-807-7349.
