Stubbs to be Honored at HJTEP Annual Gala

Rennae Stubbs’ star will shine bright for a cause next month.

Tennis fans, celebrities, philanthropists and supporters will celebrate the impactful work the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP) does helping and inspiring youngsters through tennis and education at the HJTEP Annual Gala on May 22nd at the Ziegfield Ballroom in New York City.

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Tickets for the gala are available at www.HJTEP.org.

In addition to celebrating the success of the nearly 1,000 youngsters who benefit from the HJTEP annually, the event will also honor a pair of its most ardent supporters.

It will present the Shining Star Award to Rennae Stubbs, former doubles world No. 1 and six-time Grand Slam doubles champion; and the Chairman’s Award renamed this year as the James R. Kelly III Chairman’s Award to James R. Kelly III, the former HJTEP Chairman of the Board who retired last year after serving in this role for 16 years.

“The success of the HJTEP for the past 50-years would not have been possible without the selfless commitment from scores of people like Rennae and Jim who have supported our mission and helped us grow,” said Katrina Adams, HJTEP Executive Director. “We are looking forward to this opportunity to thank our friends and supporters and introduce them to many of the youngsters that are directly benefitting from our programs.”

Emceed by WCBS-TV news anchor Maurice DuBois, the star-studded gala will be attended by a host of celebrity tennis fans and HJTEP supporters.

The Honorary Chair is two-time Grand Slam champion and International Tennis Hall of Famer, Stan Smith.

The Shining Star Award recognizes an individual who has shone their light on HJTEP, believes in its mission and has never hesitated to support the organization. Previous recipients include James Blake, Jim Courier, David Dinkins, Billie Jean King, Jeanne Moutoussamy Ashe, Martina Navratilova, Chanda Rubin, and Monica Seles.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons