Katrina Adams interviewed by Dan Hicken (photo: Laird Myer)
The MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation (MWYF) held its 20th Annual Current/Sherman Group of Merrill Lynch Champions for Children Gala on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016 at Florida Blue in Jacksonville, Fla., raising approximately $250,000 for its youth tennis and education programs.
During the gala, 22 MWYF students were recognized for their accomplishments and awarded $59,000 in college scholarships. The six graduating seniors of the program have collectively earned more than $100,000 throughout their time at the foundation.
USTA national president Katrina Adams was the featured speaker for the event.
“What an accomplishment for Mal and his staff on continuing to offer life-changing opportunities and serving up dreams for the youth of Jacksonville,” Adams told USTA Florida. “I have attended several times and it is my pleasure to support their efforts and applaud their accomplishments. MWYF is one of our pillar NJTLs (National Junior Tennis and Learning network), and Terri Florio’s leadership is bar none as she annually evolves and raises the bar for her staff, volunteers and youth.”
Other guests joining Adams and founder MaliVai Washington were former Jacksonville Jaguar Tony Brackens, and former tennis pros Brian Gottfried and Mashona Washington.
Live auction items included a 2017 US Open Tennis President’s Box package courtesy USTA Florida; Country Music Awards tickets, airfare and hotel package; London Trip with the Jacksonville Jaguars flying on the Jaguars’ team charter with hotel, tickets and gala event; Breakfast at Tiffany package in NYC; Indy 500 Experience; 7-day Holland America Cruise and Turks & Caicos vacation packages, and more.
MWYF is a non-profit youth development organization which operates the Tennis-n-Tutoring (TnT) after-school program in Jacksonville’s urban core. The TnT program serves more than 200 students in the community and provides free homework assistance, tennis lessons and life skills classes to youth in grades K-12 from Monday through Friday. The mission of the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation is to develop champions in classrooms, on tennis courts and throughout communities.
MWYF is an official USTA Florida Community Tennis Association, and member of the USTA National Junior Tennis and Learning network.
For more info go to www.malwashington.com.
