Following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the WTA Foundation quickly took action to support the affected tennis communities, coinciding with the BNP Paribas Open in Palm Desert. WTA Legends Alexandra Stevenson and Gigi Fernandez spearheaded these efforts.
Alexandra Stevenson, who coaches players from Palisades Charter High School, witnessed firsthand the impact of the fires when the school burned down. The boys` and girls` varsity tennis teams were severely affected, losing their home courts and, for some, their homes.
Stevenson, in collaboration with Palisades coach Bud Kling and WTA Foundation Executive Director Ann Austin, arranged for both teams to attend the BNP Paribas Open on March 7. Madison Keys, a top 5 player, met with the students for photos and autographs. Maria Sakkari and Ann Austin, representing the WTA Foundation, presented a $10,000 donation to aid the displaced students.
Stevenson emphasized the importance of this support, stating, “It was crucial for these players to feel positive after such disruption. Watching world-class tennis at the BNP Paribas Open was inspiring and revitalizing.”
Gigi Fernandez also partnered with the WTA Foundation, raising $50,000, including a $10,000 contribution from USTA Southern California. These funds are designated to help rebuild the Palisades Tennis Center and support the Altadena community, which was also severely impacted by the fires.
Fernandez explained her motivation: “Learning about the devastation in Los Angeles compelled me to act. Having recently experienced hurricanes and flooding myself, I was driven to establish `Tennis for Hope,` a nonprofit dedicated to assisting disaster victims.”
While establishing `Tennis for Hope,` Fernandez collaborated with the WTA Foundation as a fiscal sponsor to initiate fundraising efforts.
At Indian Wells, Fernandez and Hall of Famer Pam Shriver presented Mike Tomas, Director of the Palisades Tennis Center, with a $25,000 check for reconstruction. Fernandez also announced an additional $25,000 commitment to support the Altadena tennis community.
Ann Austin highlighted the WTA Foundation`s core mission: “The WTA Foundation aims to make a positive impact on lives. Our immediate response was to provide both financial and emotional assistance to those profoundly affected by these fires.”
