Thank you to all our generous sponsors, attendees, donors and volunteers for participating in the successful launch of the Inaugural Mats Wilander Foundation Tennis Pro-Am presented by Mölnlycke Health Care on August 28.
The event raised over $50,000 to support debra of America's mission. Over 70 guests joined us during the 2013 US Open week to take part in instructional clinics, pro challenges, and experience the sprawling grass courts at the 100-year-old, West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, New York, the former site of the US Open Tennis Championships for over six decades.
The event marked the official launch of the MW Foundation, which is the new charitable division of Wilander on Wheels. Mats Wilander and Cameron Lickle will continue raising money and EB Awareness throughout the year as they travel around the country teaching tennis.
The Pro-Am was open to tennis fans of all ages and experience levels. Click here to view photos from the event. For information on next year's Pro-Am, please visit debra.org/TennisProAm.
Click the image above to see the Inaugural MW Foundation Tennis Pro-Am benefiting debra of America featured in Tennis Magazine – The Heroes Issue (Nov/Dec. 2013).
Watch the video of the Inaugural MW Foundation Tennis Pro-Am benefiting debra of America. Filmed August 28, 2013 at West Side Tennis Club in Queens, New York.
Former #1 tennis player in the world, Mats Wilander made tennis history by winning two Grand Slam Singles titles on each of the three different court surfaces: grass, har-tru, and clay. Wilander won his fourth Grand Slam Singles title at the age of 20, the youngest man in history to have achieved that feat. He is the recipient of 7 Grand Slam Championships (8 with his Doubles win) and a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Dress code for Tennis Pro-Am players is all-white, including hats, socks and shoes. 10% of color on clothing and 50% of color on shoes is acceptable. Please no large logos on tops.
Sponsorship opportunities were available from $250 - $20,000 (included premium ticket packages, journal ad, logo placement, and exclusive benefits). For information on how to sponsor next year's event, please email events [at] debra [dot] org.
SAVE IT. SEND IT. SHARE IT.
are the ideals that the MW Foundation stands for, not only while on a tennis court but for everyday life. The foundation's main purpose is to help raise awareness for the rare genetic connective tissue disorder, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) – The Worst Disease You've Never Heard Of.™ . Mats' 15 year old son, Erik, inherited a mild form of this genetic disease. Mats has been instrumental in helping debra of America raise awareness and funds for research and the supportive services and programs.
Mats and Sonya Wilander are instrumental in helping debra raise awareness and funds for research and supportive services & programs. They became advocates for debra after their son, Erik, was born with EB Simplex.
Click here to read the official press release for the Inaugural Mats Wilander Foundation Pro-Am benefiting debra of America.