Following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles just two months before the BNP Paribas Open in Palm Desert, the WTA and its Foundation acted swiftly to assist affected tennis communities. WTA legends Alexandra Stevenson and Gigi Fernandez spearheaded these efforts.
When Palisades Charter High School was destroyed by fire, Alexandra Stevenson, who coaches six players from the school, recognized the immediate impact on the boys` and girls` varsity tennis teams. Many players lost their home courts, and some even their homes.
Stevenson, in collaboration with Palisades coach Bud Kling and WTA Foundation Executive Director Ann Austin, arranged for both teams to visit the BNP Paribas Open on March 7. Madison Keys, ranked No. 5 in the world, met the students for photos and autographs. Maria Sakkari and Ann Austin, representing the WTA Foundation, presented a $10,000 donation to aid the displaced students.
Stevenson emphasized the importance of positive support for these players after two months of disruption. She noted that watching top-tier tennis at the BNP Paribas Open was uplifting and energizing for them.
Concurrently, Gigi Fernandez partnered with the WTA Foundation to raise $50,000, which included a $10,000 commitment from USTA Southern California. These funds are intended to support the rebuilding of the Palisades Tennis Center and to help the Altadena community affected by the fires.
Fernandez explained her motivation to act: `Learning about the devastation in Los Angeles compelled me to get involved. Having recently experienced my own home flooding and car loss due to hurricanes, I felt a strong connection. Ironically, I had just begun planning a nonprofit before these events, so I proceeded to create one to assist disaster victims.`
While establishing her nonprofit, `Tennis for Hope,` as a 501(c)(3) organization, Fernandez collaborated with the WTA Foundation as a fiscal sponsor to initiate fundraising.
During a ceremony at Indian Wells in the WTA suite, Fernandez, accompanied by Hall of Famer Pam Shriver, presented Mike Tomas, Director of Palisades Tennis Center, with a $25,000 check for reconstruction. She also announced an additional $25,000 pledge to support the Altadena tennis community.
Austin stated, `The WTA Foundation`s mission is to make a positive impact on lives. We reacted promptly to offer both financial and emotional assistance to those whose lives have been permanently altered by these wildfires.`
