Rebel Wilson, Hugh Jackman among supporters helping USTA Foundation raise record $3 million at annual gala

What happens when the likes of Chris Evert, Hugh Jackman, Gladys Knight, Rebel Wilson, Francisco Lindor and Martina Navratilova are in the same room? Record-breaking things.

A year after raising $2 million, the USTA Foundation shattered that benchmark at its annual gala thanks to a host of supporters. With Anthony Anderson serving as Monday’s emcee on the opening night of the US Open, the charitable arm of the USTA brought in $3 million for programming benefiting under-served youth across the country through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network.

Among the highlights included a live auction, which contributed more than 10 percent of the evening’s proceeds. Navratilova, along with the greatest men’s doubles team in history—Bob and Mike Bryan—donated private hitting sessions.

“This was an incredible night that saw everyone come together to support our mission of changing lives through tennis and education,” said Kathleen Wu, USTA Foundation Board President.

In 2021, the organization announced its largest fundraising campaign to date with Rally to the Future, targeting $20 million over a three-year phase. That ambition has been increased to $30 million as a result of fundraising efforts to date.

“The Rally for the Future campaign marks an opportunity to play an important role in the lives of so many children who can find inspiration, education, and physical fitness through our sport,” Evert said upon its launch.

NJTLs have served communities for over 50 years, and today, doors are open to children nationwide at nearly 300 chapters.