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THE HENNESSY FOUNDATION – THE GIFT OF GIVING BACK Tennis is often played in a comforting world of affluence. Yet just around the corner, or far from all the serenity, young people can struggle with a world of hurt. Often kids just don’t have a chance. Hope is elusive. But one of the great beauties of tennis is that it can be used as a vehicle for giving back. And few grass roots groups in the world do it better than the astounding Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation, which helps and mentors so many. How important are programs like this? Boxer Mike Tyson put it this way: “My mentor saved my life. If it wasn’t for him I don’t know where I would have ended up. He made me believe in myself, he gave me purpose.” One alum of the program, Villanova grad Trent Alenik, said, “The program completely changed my life. Now I get to pay it forward and help the next generation maximize their potential and earn college scholarships.” The program was started by Ryan Wolfington and Marty Hennessy fourteen years ago with the help of entertainer Tony Bennett and tennis parent and coach Mike Agassi. The Hennessy Foundation came together in spectacular fashion at their 14th Annual Gala at the LAVO Casino Club thanks to the efforts of founding Advisory Board Member Jason Strauss. Foundation founder Ryan Wolfington was elated. And why not? The group raised an incredible $250,000. Everybody came together from the kids themselves to top players. “It’s amazing how pros like the Bryans and Sloane Stephens use their celebrity to help and inspire others. Sloane has her own foundation yet spent the whole night and next day with the children.” The group’s inventive TEAM BRYAN Leadership Program, which is funded by Bob and Mike Bryan, has an incredible 100% success rate in getting children off the streets and into college on scholarship. Eighty-five kids have gone on to colleges like Stanford, Princeton, Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania. Now the program is being duplicated in 12 states. The Foundation’s philosophy is that youth learn best by doing and gain confidence by earning their way. Many foundation functions are run by the children themselves. Thanks to the Sean and Ana Wolfington and the Wolfington Family Foundation, all the money goes directly into programs. Wolfington thanked co-chairs Nicole and Neal Tomlinson, Winnie and Bob Schulman, Dr. Girish and Vrushali Daulat, Dr. Mike and Lauren Monroe, and Sands Corp President Rob Goldstein. So many were on hand at the gala – including City Councilmen Rikki Barlow and Stavros Anthony, Mike Agassi, entertainers Gordie Brown and Clint Holmes, foundation alumni, donors and the children themselves, who were a big part of the night. All chipped in – it’s one big family. So to be part of the family, this wonderful cause and to enjoy the gift of giving, go to InspiringChildren.net/donate or call (702) 767-7531. To see a video by the kids, go to the “Inspiringchildren” channel on YouTube. You won’t be disappointed. |
