A sold-out event with over 350 guests included tennis fans, philanthropists, celebrities, and supporters celebrated the impactful work of the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program (HJTEP) at the HJTEP 52nd Annual Gala on May 13th at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. 

Above: HJTEP Kids. Photo Credit: Fred/Susan Mullane. 

The event raised nearly $1 million for HJTEP. And high-profile guests came out to support HJTEP for a very special night. WCBS-TV news anchor Maurice DuBois served as emcee as the gala celebrated the success of the nearly 1,000 youngsters who benefit from HJTEP tennis and education programs annually.  

One highlight of the gala was the live auction which offered priceless and unique packages including: a 2025 Indian Wells, BNP Paribas Open VIP Package including, box seats, airfare and accommodations; a golf outing with Stan Smith at a private golf club in the Hamptons; a seven-night Grand Mayan Mexico Experience; and an Under The Tuscan Sun, luxury private four-bedroom villa in Tuscany to accommodate up to eight guests, with cooking and cleaning services and an Italian wine tour; and ESPN US OPEN Behind the Scenes VIP Experience with Patrick McEnroe.  

Above: HJTEP Auction Bidders. Photo Credit: Fred/Susan Mullane. 

This year, three of HJTEP’s most ardent supporters were honored: Stan Smith, the Hall of Fame tennis player who might be even more famous for his signature footwear; Michelle Blake-Wilson, a proud HJTEP alumna and Board member who is managing partner of contemporary marketing agency The B’elle Group; and Johnson & Johnson MedTech — who is working to solve the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges through innovations at the intersection of biology and technology.

“The success of the HJTEP for the past 52 years would not have been possible without the selfless commitment from scores of people like Stan and Michelle and corporations such as Johnson & Johnson who have supported our mission and helped us grow,” said Katrina Adams, HJTEP Executive Director. 

For more information, visit the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program.

Photo Gallery

===

Source: The Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program. Top image: HJTEP. Photos in photo gallery (from top to bottom): David Tyree, Michelle Blake-Wilson, Stan Smith, N. Johnson, Katrina Adams; Kim Clijsters, Katrina Adams, Rennae Stubbs; Patrick McEnroe, Stan Smith, Herb Williams, Katrina Adams, Rennae Stubbs; Patrick McEnroe, Stan Smith, Katrina Adams; Stan Smith Signs Shoes, Vanessa Williams and Stan Smith. Photo Credits: Fred/Susan Mullane.