admin Last night at the U.S. Open, notable names across fashion, film, and tennis gathered for the USTA Foundation’s 22nd annual Opening Night Gala, which supports under-resourced youth throughout the country. Vera Wang, Alec Baldwin, Anna Wintour, Gabriela Hearst, Maria Sharapova, and Gayle King were among those who united for the special evening of tennis and philanthropy. Katie Couric effortlessly emceed the gala with her wit, charm, and care, kicking off the night by presenting 18-time Grand Slam singles winner Chris Evert with this year’s Serving Up Dreams Award. The impact Evert had on the tennis community, both on and off the court, was underscored by a heartfelt speech shared by Langston Williams, one of the scholarship fund recipients established in honor of her late father, Jimmy Evert.
The night raised more than $3 million for the USTA Foundation. “Every kid that we impact can be a life saved. It’s so important in today’s times; the services that we’re providing are not just an outlet, or after-school activities. It’s mental health, it’s food, it’s economic opportunity.” David Scharf, USTAF treasurer and board of directors member, told Vogue.
After dessert, guests proceeded to take their seats in the President’s Box at Arthur Ashe, where excitement and thrill soared across the stadium as Coco Gauff valiantly won her match after an initial struggle. Sara Bareilles performed, and Michelle Obama made a surprise guest appearance to honor tennis legend, Billie Jean King, whose activism and fight for equal pay is the reason the U.S. Open is celebrating 50 years of equal prize money this year. “The mission of the USTA Foundation is to follow Billie Jean’s example and continue to make tennis more accessible to young people everywhere, regardless of gender, race, or income,” said Couric in honor of tonight’s Gala.
