The first African American president of the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) will be the featured speaker at the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation’s gala.
Katrina Adams will join foundation supporters at the 20th annual Current/Sherman Group of Merrill Lynch Champions for Children Gala, to be held Oct. 13 at Florida Blue. In addition to a dinner and live auction, the gala will feature impact statements from program alumni and the presentation of nearly $60,000 in college scholarships to 22 students.
The largest fundraiser for the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation, the Champions for Children gala has traditionally raised more than $200,000 each year to fund the foundation’s programs, which include a comprehensive K-12 after school youth development program, Tennis & Tutoring (TnT) in Jacksonville’s urban core and a summer camp program (Camp Dynamite). Homework assistance, life skills classes and tennis lessons are also offered.
Founded by former professional tennis player MaliVai “Mal” Washington, the foundation says its mission is to develop champions in the classroom, on the tennis courts and in the community.
