For the first time in its 27-year history, the Annual Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Benefit for Children will offer about 400 fantastic and innovative Silent and Live Auction items, a record number, to a new world of bidders via the Internet for three weeks beginning Monday, March 29 through Sunday, April 18.
Karen Dougherty Buchholz and Carl Buchholz, Co-Chairs of the 27th Annual Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Benefit for Children on Friday, April 23 at the Arthur Ashe Tennis Center, 4842 Ridge Ave., said anyone wishing to support the young people of AAYTE by participating in the Auction should register and bid at www.ashetennis.org.
“This event is famous for offering the best and most innovative auction items on the charity circuit. Now everyone can join us to bid on an item even if they are not able to be with us in person for this exciting night. The best part is that all proceeds from the bidding support a variety of programs at Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education,” said Mary Dougherty, Chair of the Benefit’s Auction Committee.
The Benefit this year will honor Fred and Irene Shabel as “Champions for Children.” The two Philadelphia civic and business icons will be honored for their leadership, dedication and personal contributions to the growth and impact of the Ashe programs.
First-time items include a trip for two on the Flyers team charter to an away game with hotel and tickets; a cameo appearance for your name or business name in a forthcoming novel by New York Times best selling author Elin Hilderbrand; 76ers star Lou Williams will come to your home for a shoot around in your driveway; your caricature on the wall at the Palm restaurant in Philadelphia; attend an Eagles football game with Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell and accompany him to Comcast SportsNet TV show following the game; flight, tickets, hotel and meals for three people to an away Phillies game; and the ultimate sports fan package: two suite tickets to Phillies, Eagles, 76ers and Flyers games.
Auction items are included in the categories of Top of the Line, Outrageous Outings, Restaurants, Memorabilia, Sports Only, Fashion and Beauty, Home and Garden, Just for Kids and Men Only.
Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education is a national model for innovative youth tennis, leadership development and educational enrichment programs. Providing new opportunities to an at-risk and diverse population, Ashe delivers first-class tennis instruction, fitness, equipment, tutoring, and life skills to young people ages 4 to 18, many of whom come from underserved communities. The Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center is dedicated to serve young people, the only center of its type in the country. In addition to tennis and learning programs at the 16-court Center, programs are held in schools and recreation centers in Philadelphia, Ardmore and Camden, N.J.