Washington Tennis & Education Foundation's Annual Tennis Ball

Citi was honored to be the presenting sponsor of the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation's (WTEF) annual Tennis Ball earlier this month. The event brings together Washingtonians in support of WTEF, its programs and the student athletes it serves. As WTEF's largest fundraising event, the Tennis Ball includes silent and live auctions, as well as the "Fund a Future" auction, where guests were invited to make a contribution directly from their mobile device or by visiting the WTEF website following the online donation link. WTEF again set high fundraising goals, and I am so proud to report that they these goals were met through the generosity of so many people focused on investing in the future of Washington D.C.'s youth. Indeed, over $1 million was raised for WTEF and its programs.

The Ball is an opportunity to recognize individuals who have been champions of children, and I was fortunate enough to present an award to Hall of Fame NBA player, Alonzo Mourning. Alonzo has founded four organizations to better other people's lives, including the Overtown Youth Center, which - similar to WTEF - provides youth in Miami's inner city with academic and athletic enrichment.

As a WTEF board member, I am continually impressed with all WTEF has done to invest in the countless at-risk youth in Washington DC. WTEF helps to keep these kids off the street, learning a sport, and focused on their studies. And WTEF has reaped real results - 100 percent of the students who stick with the program graduate from high school. Indeed, WTEF truly gives these kids the life skills they need both off and on the court.

Photo Credit: Tchad Moore