Madison Keys Brings Charity Event to Iowa

You can watch tennis pro Madison Keys and support mental health awareness at the same time during the Court of Dreams Celebration of Tennis event July 14-15. The event kicks off on Thursday July 14 in Clear Lake, and wraps up on Friday, July 15, at the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club in Charles City.

The event is two years in the making, according to event director Ryan Knarr, and with the proceeds benefiting mental health awareness through tennis, it’s a win-win situation.

“It is so special because of the uniqueness of the event,” said Knarr. “Nowhere in the United States is there an exact replica of Wimbledon's center court grass surface that is like the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club. Bring together a world-class facility in the Court of Dreams with an Iowa native and world-class talent in Madison Keys coming back to her home state to put on an event to benefit Mental Health awareness. Put all those ingredients together and you have a forever moment that people that attend will never forget.”

In addition to Keys, other tennis pros will also take part including Cincinnati native Caty McNally, New Zealand’s KP Pannu and Australian pro Nathan Healey. Another WTA player will be announced as well. The first day will include a junior tennis clinic and mental health panel with Keys and friends. The second day will feature mixed doubles and singles exhibition matches with Keys and friends on the grass court. Knarr said the most important part of this event is to use tennis as a platform for mental health awareness.

“To have these tennis stars be part of a spectacular event where giving is more important than taking, where values are more important than victories, and where making people better is more important than beating them. This event will showcase the impact of our game in one of the most magical and unique settings in the world: The Court of Dreams.” 

Tickets are $50 per person for each event. A VIP pass for the exhibition matches are $250 and include courtside seats, food and drinks and access to a post-party. Proceeds benefit the Kindness Wins organization and the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.courtofdreams.org