Despite the icy conditions The Challenger of Dallas proceeded last Wednesday and Thursday. Was the icy weather that hit on Thursday a problem? Heck, no! The event took place at T Bar M Racquet Club, which enjoys the luxury of indoor courts. Besides benefiting Susan G. Komen Dallas County, North Texas’s “largest indoor pro-men’s tennis event” included professional tennis champ Tracy Austin as an honorary host. Here’s a report from T Bar M:
Wednesday, February 5
From 6-8 p.m., players — Ryan Harrison, Mark Knowles, Rhyne Williams, Malek Jaziri and Steve Johnson — and sponsors joined together at the T Bar M Racquet Club for the 2014 Challenger of Dallas Sponsor Player Party. With the support from these sponsors, Challenger of Dallas, which is the largest indoor pro-men’s tennis event in North Texas, is made possible.
While guests like Molly Hamilton, Nichole and Kurt Thomas and Katy and Lawrence Bock looked on, T Bar M owner Glen Agritelley thanked the crowd for their support. Former World No. 1 professional tennis player and internationally acclaimed tennis commentator, Tracy Austin, also spoke and took pictures with guests. Guests enjoyed Latin music by Marcelo Berestovoy Trio and food provided by T Bar M.
Other guests in attendance included: Carol and Alan Bernon, Brittain Watson, Rajeev Ram, Jan Osborn, Mary Evelyn Raedisch, Lori Plum, Justin Lee and J.D. Miles.
Some of the top sponsors included: Brinkmann, USMD, LoveTennis, Estada Hinojosa, Molly Hamilton, Aaron Family, Surgery Center Network, USTA and Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The Challenger of Dallas benefits DTA’s “Invest in a Child”, Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation and Dallas County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Thursday, February 6
The 16th Annual Challenger of Dallas Tennis Tournament went pink to support Susan G. Komen Dallas County for Pink Day. Guests braved the snow and arrived at the T Bar M Racquet Club decked out in pink to watch some of the top tennis players from around the world compete and raise money for the fight against breast cancer. Pink Day at Challenger of Dallas was created six years ago by Mary Evelyn Raedisch, who is the Pink Day Honorary Chair and a two‐time breast cancer survivor. Her husband Bob is Challenger of Dallas Director.
The morning began with a VIP coffee featuring honorary host Tracy Austin, a two‐time US Open Champion, former World No. 1 on the WTA tour and internationally acclaimed tennis commentator. Guests enjoyed a meet‐and‐greet and photo opp with Austin, while enjoying breakfast and coffee.
Following the coffee, Austin joined Pink Day attendees on the tennis court and was introduced by emcees, Jane Slater and J.D. Miles from CBS 11. Austin then gave an inspiring speech about her tennis career and answered questions from the crowd.
Wendy Krispin Catering provided a delicious and healthy lunch, and guests spent the rest of the afternoon watching tennis matches and shopping in the Challenger booths.
A silent auction also took place with prizes including: an autographed picture of Tracy Austin and an antique Bill Talbert Stadium Courtside chair signed by Jim Courier and Mats Wilander.
Guests also received a gift bag that included a towel from LoveTennis, two nail polish and foot scrubber from Sam Moon and lip gloss, eye shadow, mascara and lotion from Mary Kay.
Guests in attendance included: Honorary Chair Mary Evelyn Raedisch, Co‐Chairs Jan Osborn and Lori Plum, Hall of Fame Inductee Molly Hamilton, Brittain Watson, Robin Bagwell and Lois Finkelman.
Seventy-five percent of the net funds raised from Pink Day will stay in Dallas County to support breast cancer education, screening, treatment and support services for uninsured and under-insured Dallas County residents, while the remaining 25 percent will benefit national scientific research to help find a cure.
* Photo credit: Tessa Kolodny
** Photo credit: Pink Day