> Scroll for link to event photos (link to full gallery provided below).
Philpott Children’s Tennis is thrilled to announce that the 38th Annual Philpott Ladies Invitational Tennis Tournament & Gala was a disco dancing good time and raised over $125,000 for children in Toronto’s priority needs neighbourhoods!
Big thanks to the 2024 Event host, the Badminton & Racquet Club, and their amazing Event Committee chaired by Judy Jarvis, Nancy Eisenhauer, and Head Pro Farid Mekhael.
On January 24th and 25th, over 300 tennis players attended the 38th Annual Ladies Invitational Tournament in support of Philpott Children’s Tennis.
There were 40 teams across 10 divisions, and more than 240 matches played over 2 days! PHEW! Big thanks to Farid Mekhael, Head Tennis Professional at the B&R, for being this year’s tournament director and running a seamless tournament.
Thank you also to Bayview G&CC, Boulevard Club, the Badminton and Racquet Club, Donalda Club, Granite Club, Lambton G&CC, the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club, the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, and York Racquets for donating courts and making it possible to host so many teams and players.
Time for the Gala!
Even after two day of tennis, the players couldn’t wait to get to the Gala where a Disco Dance Party awaited. This year’s host, The Badminton & Racquet Club, was turned into a disco inferno and the dance floor was full all night long!
There were so many great outfits with teams coordinating their look to live out their disco dreams!
Division winners had their team photos taken with the famous Philpott Silver Plate Trophy at the Dancing Queen Photo Backdrop!
The silent auction featured amazing items including original art, fashionable outfits, jewellery, and more! Big thanks to all of the local businesses who made donations.
The candy bar set up was a hit. Everyone was invited to take home loot bags at the end of the night, or indulge on the spot. All we know is by the end of the night, this table was empty!
Finally, two of our youth were on hand to share their journey with Philpott and thank everyone for supporting this event which plays such a big part in allowing our programs to run year after year.
Shekinah (pictured left) joined the East End Girls Leadership Program last year where she picked up a racquet for the first time. Following the program, she coached in our summer camps and she is on her way to becoming a certified Coach, all while kicking off her first year at University of Guelph where she is studying communications.
Angie (pictured right) grew up with Philpott. She attended our camp programs every year since she was 6 yrs old. She completed her coach certification through Philpott’s Leadership program and she is currently an Assistant Coach in our summer program and winter indoor play programs. Angie is also part of Philpott’s Coaching Development Pathway where she is pursuing advanced levels of coach certification. She is applying to be an engineering major at university next year.
You helped us raise over
$125,000 for Toronto’s priority needs children!
A big thank you to everyone at the Badminton & Racquet Club for their hard work and generosity to make this event so successful. Special mentions to Farid Mekhael (Head Tennis Professional), and the entire event Committee: Judy Jarvis (Co-Chair), Nancy Eisenhauer (Co-Chair), Erica Allen, Beth Burgess, Sue Fleming, Danielle Leblanc, Heather Nicol, Gene Parker, Stacey Sharpe, Nicole Smith, Babs Topping, Jillian Walsh, and Carol Wildi.
The charity is also sincerely grateful to the major Event Sponsors: The Gordon & Ruth Gooder Charitable Foundation, Scotiabank Wealth Management (Rosedale Office), TD Bank, Kaiser & Partners, Cindy Cohen Barristers and Solicitors, and the B&R Live Ball Event.
The Philpott Board of Directors, the instructors, the volunteers and the children say THANK YOU!
It’s been a blast! Peace out and see you next year!!
Philpott Children’s Tennis is looking forward to next year’s tournament, which will be hosted by the Boulevard Club. To learn more about the Annual Ladies Invitational Tournament, check out the Ladies Invitational Page.
The Annual Ladies Invitational Tournament & Gala is the largest and longest standing fundraiser for Philpott Children’s Tennis. Through this event, the Toronto tennis community has been supporting the work and mission of Philpott Children’s Tennis for decades; our important work could not continue without their continued support.
This event allows us to introduce tennis to over 4,000 inner-city kids annually who otherwise would not be able to afford a tennis program. The charity is working hard to create more female role models for young tennis players through their enhanced leadership program that allows youth from the community to train as instructors and go on to become paid Philpott employees.
The success of our Kids’ Tennis programs over the past thirty years is the result of hard work and continued donor support. These programs are possible thanks to dedicated individuals who, like you, wish to make a difference in the lives of thousands of kids living in priority neighbourhoods across Toronto.
Together, we are making sure that there is A PLACE FOR EVERYONE TO PLAY!
