…and the award for
Best Night in Tennis goes to……
*Scroll for link to event photos
(link to full gallery provided at bottom of wrap-up).
2026 Event Committee from The Donalda Club: (L-R): Annabelle Galev, Christine Barachina, Cynthia Gillespie, Marian Flannery, Lisa Amati, Leslie Gage, Teresa Wallace (top right), Leigh Bradwell (Head Tennis Professional, bottom right).
Philpott Children’s Tennis is thrilled to announce that the 40th Annual Philpott Ladies Invitational Tennis Tournament & Gala raised over $145,000+ for children in Toronto’s neighbourhood improvement areas.
Thank you to the Donalda Event Committee (above); Donalda Head Tennis Professional, Leigh Bradwell; and everyone who contributed to make this event a HUGE success.
Complete with show-stopping tennis performances and a red carpet gala worthy of a standing ovation, this year’s Ladies Invitational was a huge success!
The Opening Act: Tennis at its finest
The 40th anniversary of the Ladies Invitational celebrated a remarkable journey, one that has grown into the largest women’s tennis tournament in the country, with over 300 players united by a shared commitment to giving back.
The event included 2 days of tennis across 8 clubs and more than 250 matches to crown champions in 11 divisions! That’s a lot!! Players enjoyed the fun yet high level competition, and of course the time with their teammates.
More and more players are celebrating the gala theme throughout the tournament and this year was no different with some teams literally bringing the red carpet to the courts! We loved it!
Time for the Gala – Cue the Red Carpet
Special Guest Star Ellen Wright
Ellen Wright (middle) founded this tournament 40 years ago, and we were thrilled to have her in attendance for this milestone celebration.
Having Ellen in the room was a full-circle moment – one that reminded everyone just how far this tournament has come, and how much impact one great idea can have.
the Tennis Professionals
A special moment at the gala featured a photo of the tennis professionals from our host clubs, a powerful reminder of the number of people who come together to make this tournament possible year-after-year.
We are endlessly grateful for their involvement which makes a tournament of this scale possible.
a standing ovation for food
The food stations were definitely the best supporting role of the night. Guests circulated through an incredible array of offerings. Plates were full and glasses were raised as the room hummed with fun and laughter.
Adding to the cinematic flair, guests were greeted on the red carpet with the signature cocktail, proudly sponsored by Maverick Distillery – the perfect start to a night of celebration.
The Silent Auction: A Scene Stealer
The silent auction added to the festivities, featuring an incredible lineup of items – including a stunning diamond tennis bracelet donated by ARAX Jewellery. This was the largest auction ever at a Ladies Invitational event so there was something for everyone.
And Dance!
As any great awards night goes, the real magic happens once the formalities fade. The dance floor quickly became the place to be, with DJ Danny from 103.5 keeping everyone dancing late into the night.
The Final Credits
From packed courts across the city to a red carpet gala that truly sparkled, the Philpott Ladies Invitational proved why it remains such a beloved tradition for 40 years and counting!
Thank you for the incredible tennis, unforgettable food, generous support, and devoted tennis pros and players who make this event possible year-after-year. Together, we have truly created something special.
See you at centre stage (and centre court) again next year!
You helped us raise over $145,000 for children in Toronto’s neighbourhood improvement areas!
The annual Ladies Invitational Tennis Tournament & Gala 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 4 decades; our important work could not continue without their consistency support.
This event allows us to introduce tennis to over 4,000 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 its enhanced leadership program that allows more 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 30 years is the result of hard work and continued donor support. These programs are possible thanks to dedicated individuals who wish to make a difference in the lives of thousands of kids living in priority needs 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!!
