Get Ready for the 2024 Annual Tennis Creates Gala!

A Night of Glamour and Giving

Presented by Onelife Fitness, the Gala promises a night to remember with a VIP cocktail reception, a gourmet three-course dinner with wine pairing, and the prestigious Tennis Creates Awards. The evening will be filled with live music, dancing, and a chance to bid on incredible items during the silent and live auctions, along with a mission moment paddle raise. All of these festivities support USTA MAF’s mission to promote tennis for healthier lives and stronger communities, ensuring the sport is accessible to everyone in the Mid-Atlantic.

Introducing your Gala Hosts

Adding star power to the event, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe, will host the Gala. Known for their roles as actors, models, and philanthropists, Nicole and Boris bring their passion for giving back to the Mid-Atlantic area. They will be joined by professional tennis players, Hall of Famers, leading philanthropists, sports professionals, broadcasters, and numerous VIPs, including business leaders and government officials.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night! Join us at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now – get yours before they’re gone!

Meet the Gala Co-Chairs

Maria and Kirk Galiani

Local business leaders and philanthropists, Maria and Kirk Galiani, support numerous causes throughout the Washington, DC area. Kirk, Founder and Co-Chairman of Onelife Fitness, one of the largest health club chains in the country, and Maria, the Principal Interior Designer at the Galiani Group, which specializes in high-end residential design, are deeply committed to giving back to their community. Their dedication to the sport and its positive influence on individuals' health and wellness exemplifies the spirit of giving and community, making them invaluable partners in the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Gala.  

Lee and Henry Fonvielle

President of Rappaport, Henry Fonvielle, and his wife Lee are esteemed and generous donors and ardent supporters of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. Their unwavering commitment to advancing the mission of the Foundation has made a significant impact on the tennis community in the Mid-Atlantic region. Henry, who also serves on the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Board of Directors, and Lee have helped provide numerous opportunities for youth through the Girls Rule the Court™ program. This includes overseeing the funding and establishment of Alexandria Girls Rule the Court™, fostering a sense of community, health, and well-being through tennis

Sponsorship Spotlight

We are immensely grateful to our presenting sponsor, Onelife Fitness, for their unwavering support and dedication to promoting health and wellness in our community. Their partnership plays a crucial role in making this event a grand success. Other major partners include: 

2024 Presenting Sponsor

Onelife Fitness

2024 Vision Sponsor

Hyundai USA

2024 Impact Sponsor

Charlotte and Taylor Chess

2024 Girls Rule the Court Legacy Sponsor

Rappaport

If you are interested in sponsoring the gala, please reach out to Anita Walker at awalker@mas.usta.com.

Exciting Auction Items

Get ready to bid on a fantastic array of auction items! From exclusive tennis memorabilia and luxury vacations to unique experiences and fine dining, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or find the perfect gift, the auction is sure to have something that catches your eye.

If you are interested in donating an auction item to the Gala, please fill out this form.

The Tennis Creates Awards

One of the highlights of the evening is the Tennis Creates Awards, which honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the sport and the community. These awards celebrate the spirit of tennis and the positive impact it has on lives across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Learn more about the Tennis Creates Awards and nominate a game changer today!

Meet Your Gala Hosts

Nicole Ari Parker: Seven-time NAACP Image Award nominee Nicole Ari Parker is best known for her outstanding performance as “Teri Joseph’ on Showtime’s award-winning original series “Soul Food.”  Most currently, Parker stars as Lisa Todd Wexley in the HBO Max comedy-drama series “And Just Like That,” the sequel to HBO’s hit series, “Sex and the City.”

Boris Kodjoe: German native Boris Kodjoe is best known for his role in the television series “Soul Food,” which earned him three NAACP Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor. In 2019, Kodjoe joined as a regular on the Shonda Rhimes ABC series “Station 19.”

Tickets are on sale now! Let’s create a positive impact and celebrate the game changers in our tennis community!

Scene's from last year's Centennial Gala at the National Portrait Gallery

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being. Make an impact beyond the net and donate today.