USPTA Professionals Raise $4 Million for Charity
March 4, 2009
The United States Professional Tennis Association teaching professionals once again demonstrated that giving to charity is a priority by raising $4 million in 2008 through the association’s Lessons for LifeTM program.
“Our members continue to show their commitment to giving to charitable causes, especially during the difficult economic climate,” said Paula Scheb, Lessons for Life chairwoman, secretary/treasurer of the USPTA national board of directors and director of tennis and fitness at Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs, Fla. “Thanks to all of our members who step up year after year for charity.”
The USPTA and its members have now raised more than $36 million since the program’s inception in 1999. Under the Lessons for Life umbrella, the USPTA encourages its members to use tennis as a vehicle to help others through fundraising activities in their communities. Many of the fundraisers take place at country clubs and commercial clubs, where the majority of USPTA Professionals direct tennis operations and programming. Fundraisers take the form of tournaments, pro-ams, auctions, black-tie dinners and clinics.
Several charities benefit each year from the USPTA’s Lessons for Life program, including the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and many other national and local charities.
Lessons for Life is officially celebrated in October, but events may be hosted any time during the year. People who are interested in participating in a Lessons for Life event should contact a USPTA Professional in their area. USPTA’s Find-A-Pro service is available at www.usptafindapro.com or by calling 800-USPTA-4U for help locating a USPTA Professional.