Contact:
RWL Contact: Kelly Swanson/Lisa Milner, Swanson Communications, (202) 783-5500
DPR Media: John Stokes, (202) 288-7275, [email protected]
(Washington, DC) On Saturday, October 27, 2012, DC Mayor Vincent Gray, former DC Mayor Anthony Williams and Washington Kastles Owner Mark Ein will join local politicians, business leaders, media personalities and area youth and their families for the 14th Annual Heart to Hart Tennis Experience, presented by Events DC, at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (701 Mississippi Avenue, SE). The fundraising event, created by the Recreation Wish List Committee (RWLC) in partnership with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), promises to be a spectacular day of fun, fundraising and learning for a cause. A silent auction will be one of the featured highlights. This year’s event is presented by Events DC
Williams and Ein will be honored in a surprise presentation for their relationship with the RWLC and their ongoing efforts to support the SETLC and the cultivation of youth tennis participation in the area. The 14th Annual Heart to Hart is also honored to have champion players Richey Reneberg and Danny Waldman play in the tournament. Mr. Reneberg was ranked # 1 in world doubles; he has played in the Davis Cup many times and competed in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Mr. Waldman is a top international senior tennis star; he was ranked # 1 in the world in the 50 and 55 and over division. It is an honor to have these two great tennis champions compete in this year's tournament.
“This is a special occasion for all of us, as it is a reminder of how we started our efforts to raise needed funds for the children of the District of Columbia almost 15 years ago,” said Cora Masters Barry, Founder and CEO of RWLC. “Through ‘Heart to Hart,’ and the support we receive from our RWLC 'family' of local politicians, business leaders and commuity members, as well as Events DC, we can continue to provide our programming for the children. It will be a fantastic day of fun and fundraising.
“Former Mayor Williams was there in the beginning and gave us the 'go ahead' funding to have the center built. Mark Ein is a wonderful community leader who has become a champion for the great success the center has had to date. We can’t wait to celebrate our association with them in a special presentation we have planned for the day.”
DPR Director Jesús Aguirre stated, “DPR is pleased to partner with the RWLC on another fantastic event. The combination of education and tennis, which takes place at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, continues to produce spectacular results for our area youth. It is one of our biggest success stories to date and we are grateful to Cora Masters Barry for her continued work and dedication to the children in and around Southeast Washington.”
“The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center is a source of great pride in the DC community and we are honored to support its efforts in developing leaders in the classroom and on the tennis courts,” added Erik A. Moses, Managing Director of Events DC’s sports and entertainment division. “We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a great day of tennis and fun.”
Once again, junior and adult tennis players will team up in doubles tennis and compete in the day-long tournament. After a morning full of tennis matches, clinics and physical fitness, an awards ceremony will be held.
“We are extremely proud of our accomplishments," said Mrs. Barry. “We have been recognized by the United States Tennis Association and other local and regional organizations as a one of a kind Center that produces great tennis scholars and better students too.”
To participate in this year’s “Heart to Hart Tennis Experience,” click HERE to register.
To schedule media interviews with Cora Masters Barry, CEO/Founder of the Recreation Wish List Committee; Jeri Ingram, SETLC Site Manager; SETLC parents and SETLC kids playing in the tournament, please contact John Stokes, DPR Chief of Staff, at (202) 288-7275 or [email protected].
ABOUT THE SOUTHEAST TENNIS AND LEARNING CENTER (SETLC)
SETLC is a world-class, state-of-the art, $5.1 million tennis facility located in Ward 8. The SETLC serves over 85 District youth daily by providing tennis instruction, tutoring, life skills, developmental chess, and educational and personal reinforcement to the District’s youth. Tax deductible sponsorships for the 14th Annual Heart to Hart Tennis Experience are available for individuals, clubs and corporations. For more information, contact the Recreation Wish List Committee by telephone at (202) 678-7530 or via email at [email protected].
ABOUT EVENTS DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and surrounding festival grounds, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and Maloof Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and now serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com.
ABOUT THE DC DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
The mission of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is to enhance the quality of life and wellness of DC residents and visitors by providing equal access to affordable and quality recreational services, by organizing programs, activities and events, and by building and maintaining safe and beautiful open spaces and recreational amenities. DPR currently operates 78 playgrounds, 68 recreation centers, 900 acres of park land, 40 aquatic features (pools and spray parks), 375 parks, over 200 play courts (basketball and tennis), and over 100 athletic fields.
For information about DPR's programs and activities, be sure to follow DPR on Facebook, Twitter, join our Mailing List or visit our Website.
