WORLD-CLASS TENNIS…FOR A WORLD-CHANGING CAUSE
Caption: 139: Melanie Oudin at the 2009 Kennedy Funding Invitational. Melanie, whose inspiring and surprising run at last year’s US Open captured the imagination and attention of the international tennis community, will return to The Kennedy Funding Invitational this July.
THE 5TH ANNUAL KENNEDY FUNDING INVITATIONAL TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER
By Jim Thorpe
NEW CITY, NY— Begun as a tribute to a family friend who lost her battle against breast cancer, the Kennedy Funding Invitational has grown exponentially. In just its first four years, the charity tennis tournament has raised more than $3 million to fight the disease, with proceeds benefiting The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center at Englewood Hospital and The Breast Center at Nyack Hospital.
The Invitational is back with a vengeance this year, scheduled for July 7-11 at Dellwood Country Club in New City, NY. In addition to the ever-popular Men’s Tournament, an expanded Women’s Tournament promises to be a highlight as highly ranked players like #22 Alisa Kleybanova fight for this year’s title. Lastyear, teen sensation Melanie Oudin took top honors before winning the attention—and hearts—of America with her outstanding performance at the U.S. Open. Since then, Melanie has reached a career-high ranking of #36.
Melanie Oudin and Andre Agassi at last year’s Kennedy Funding Invitational. Ms. Oudin was the tournament’s 2009 women’s champ the month before she became an international sensation for her phenomenal performance at the US Open.
“It is a tremendous honor to have some of the best players in the world participate in our event,” remarks Kevin Wolfer, co-executive director of the Invitational). “The endless hours of planning done by our Board of Directors and Board of Trustees are all worth it in the end when we get to present the hospitals with donations that help continue the fight against breast cancer.”
In 2007, the breast care center at Englewood Hospital was renamed in honor of Leslie Simon in recognition of the Invitational’s exceptional support of the center. Today, The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center at Englewood Hospital is a world-renowned pioneer and leader in the field of the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
The Breast Center at Nyack Hospital is a first-class, comprehensive provider of breast diagnostic and treatment services with an emphasis on cancer prevention, early detection, and personalized care.
Admission to all tournament matches is absolutely free. Please visit kennedyfundinginvitational.com or call (800) 342-8500 for more information, including tournament schedules, directions to Dellwood Country Club, sponsorship details, and more.
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