‘The Legends Ball’ Silent, Live, and Online Auction to Benefit the ITHF
August 23, 2007
NEW YORK, NY — In addition to rubbing elbows with legendary tennis greats, those attending the Legends Ball on September 7th at Cipriani 42nd Street, will participate in both a live and silent auction of unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including a hit session with Jim Courier and a meet and greet with Tiger Woods. All proceeds from the auction will support the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The sold out crowd of 700+ tennis aficionados will have the opportunity to participate in the live and silent bidding on nearly 30 special items. In addition, everyone has the ability to bid online at www.tennisfame.com. The online auction, which opened on August 15, also includes a “Buy it Now” option to lock in a price immediately. Here’s a look at some of the items available:
A pair of tickets and airfare to the 2008 Super Bowl in Arizona; 2008 Wimbledon Finals VIP Weekend including two tickets to the men’s and ladies finals and an apartment in Mayfair; two tickets to the 2007 Target World Challenge including a “private VIP” meet and greet with Tiger Woods; two tickets to the President’s Box at the 2008 US Open; a VIP package to the 2008 Tennis Channel Open in Las Vegas; a NASCAR dream package with tickets, pit passes and garage access to both the 2008 Daytona 500 and Brickyard. Baseball fans can select from one of four deluxe ticket packages to the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and Orioles.
Autograph collectors can own a handful of special autographed lots including: a signed guitar from U2’s Edge; a 2007 Roger Federer Wimbledon-used match racquet, signed by the champion and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity; an autograph package including an Agassi photo, Blake shirt and Jankovic poster.
Those who want to get on the court with tennis greats can bid on a one-hour hit session with Tracy Austin plus a two night stay at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in Hollywood; a one-hour hit session with Jim Courier at the River Club in New York City; a one-hour hit session with legend Virginia Wade in New York City; a one-hour hit session with Tim Mayotte at West Side Tennis Club. There are also clinics available, including two (2) Bollettieri Junior Clinics or a Van der Meer adult clinic.
Attendees can also bid on rounds of golf at some of America’s top courses including: a golf threesome at Maidstone Golf Club on Long Island which includes helicopter transportation; a golf twosome with legend Butch Buchholz and Cliff Drysdale at Indian Creek; a foursome at The Bear’s Club, and at Willowbend Country Club.
Up to two dozen Hall of Famers, tennis dignitaries and the event’s Player Co-Chairs Jim Courier and Pam Shriver will be on-hand. The event will include a tribute to the Class of 2007 — Pete Sampras, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Russ Adams and Sven Davidson, plus the presentation of the Eugene L. Scott Award to Andre Agassi and the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Award to Rolex. Last year, John McEnroe and BNP Paribas were honored, respectively.
Proceeds from the auction will go to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The portion of the winning bid above the estimated value of the item is tax-deductible. For more information or to bid visit www.tennisfame.com or contact Ilise McDonnell ([email protected]). The mission of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, based in Newport, RI, is to preserve the history of tennis, inspire and encourage junior tennis development, enshrine tennis heroes and heroines and provide a landmark for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.