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The 39th Annual Ladies Invitational Tennis Tournament & Gala – BRIDESMAIDS

> Scroll for link to event photos (link to full gallery provided below). 

2025 Event Committee from The Boulevard Club: Back row (L-R): Jenny Levitt, Laura Simpson, Allison Macrae, Geraldine Rossiter, Lindsay Marquis, Zoe Gavsie; Front row (L-R): Tamara Junkin, Sarah Harrison, Lindsay Oughtred – missing Paul Cairns, Head Tennis Professional at the Boulevard Club. 

Philpott Children’s Tennis is thrilled to announce that the 39th Annual Philpott Ladies Invitational Tennis Tournament & Gala raised a record-breaking $155,000+ for children in Toronto’s priority needs neighbourhoods! 

Big  thanks to our 2025 Event host, The Boulevard Club, and their amazing Event Committee (pictured above) along with Boulevard Head Tennis Professional, Paul Cairns. Thanks also to the Boulevard membership for their generosity and to all event participants and sponsors for their enthusiastic support of this event. 

On January 22nd and 23rd,  over 300 tennis players and Philpott supporters attended the 39th Annual Ladies Invitational Tennis Tournament & Gala in support of Philpott Children’s Tennis.  

A record 44 teams participated across 11 divisions with over 250 matches played at 9 clubs in 2 days – phew! The two days of tennis culminated in a spectacular gala themed after the hilarious box-office hit, Bridesmaids.  Each team showed off their fashion and creativity on and off the court dressing up to celebrate the theme and this incredible event that remains the largest women’s tennis tournament in the country! 

Thank you to everyone from Bayview G&CC, The Boulevard Club, Badminton & Racquet Club, The Donalda Club, The Granite Club, Lambton G&CC, Mayfair Lakeshore, Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club, The Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, and other teams who travelled from across Ontario to support the event. 

Players warmed up for the gala by bringing their wedding accessories to the court as well!
Serving up style and aces - 40 love never looked so good!

Time for the Gala!

DIVISION WINNERS CUT THE CAKE!

After the final point was played, it was time to trade tennis attire for wedding wear and dancing shoes.  The Centrepiece? a “Love is for Losers” cake, cut by the winning captains in a moment filled with laughter and celebration. 

GAME, SET…..TOSS! A Battle for the Ages

One of the most anticipated (and hilarious) moments of the evening was the Bouquet Toss sponsored by Martin’s Flowers, and it did not disappoint! 

Co-Chair Sarah Harrison stepped up for the big throw – and let’s just say she brought some serious firepower! In a moment that will go down in Ladies Invitational history, the bouquet soared…..right into the chandelier! After a quick retrieval, the competition was back on! The lucky winner walked way with more than just bragging rights – she received a stunning floral arrangement from Martin’s Flowers. 

PETALS & POURS – A Toast to our Fabulous Decor Sponsors

Big thanks to Ren Vodka for sponsoring the welcome drink – the Ren Vodka Lemon Smash – and setting the tone to keep spirits high for an evening of celebration! And let’s not forget the stunning florals from Martin’s Flowers for their beautiful arrangements, including the special bouquet for the legendary toss. Their generosity added the perfect touch of elegance to an unforgettable night.  

Love is for Losers but We’re All Winners Here!

At the end of the night, it wasn’t just about who won on the court or caught the bouquet – it was about the collective impact everyone made. Every player, guest, and supporter came together to make tennis, and the sense of community that comes with it, accessible to kids who otherwise could not afford to play.  The Philpott Ladies Invitational has always been more than just a tournament; it’s a chance to make a real difference.  So while love may be for losers, this night proved that when we all come together for a great cause, we all win!

You helped us raise over $155,000 for children in Toronto’s neighbourhood improvement areas!

The Annual Ladies Invitational Tournament is the largest and longest standing fundraiser for Philpott Children’s Tennis.  Through this event, the ladies of the Toronto tennis community have 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 women 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!

 The Philpott Board of Directors, the instructors, the volunteers and the children say THANK YOU!

See you next year!!

Past Event Chair, Judy Jarvis, and this year's Co-Chair Lindsay Oughtred high five to celebrate the continued success of this event. Each Event Committee pays it forward to the next one by sharing their learnings and experiences, and celebrating each other's successs.
Philpott Children’s Tennis is looking forward to next year’s tournament, hosted by the Donalda Club.  To learn more on the Annual Ladies Invitational Tournament, check out the Ladies Invitational Page.