40 Years Strong… Israel Tennis Centers Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Winter Exhibition Season in Florida
In recognition of the Israel Tennis Center's 40th anniversary, a yearlong celebration is planned in both Israel and the Diaspora calling attention to what the organization continues to accomplish for the 20,000+ children and their families who utilize the ITC's 14 centers each year. It all starts with an ambitious series of exhibitions in February and March throughout Florida. Details can be found in the 'Upcoming Events' section of the ITC website at www.israeltenniscenters.org.
New York, New York, January 21, 2016 (Newswire.com) - It was 1976… the U.S. Bicentennial… a hugely momentous occasion here in the United States! In Israel 1976 was also the year of another extraordinary event… the launch of what has become the largest social service organization for children in Israel… The Israel Tennis Centers! On April 25, 1976, the first ITC center opened its doors to the children of Israel in Ramat Hasharon. Forty years later, the ITC has positively impacted over a half million Israeli children with programs designed to help them reach their full potential in life!
“When we opened our first center 40 years ago no one could have dreamed how much our work has transformed the lives of so many Israeli children,” said ITC Founder Bill Lippy. “And to see how the organization has grown from a single center to 14 locations strategically built in underprivileged communities throughout Israel is gratifying beyond belief.”
In recognition of this enormous accomplishment, the Israel Tennis Centers Foundation is planning a yearlong celebration in both Israel and the Diaspora calling attention to what the ITC continues to accomplish for the 20,000+ children and their families who utilize the centers each year. The activities will be fully covered on the ITC website (www.israeltenniscenters.org), including a unique look at a special group of ITC alums whose experiences and teachings at the centers as children helped them become accomplished and successful adults. The celebration will culminate with the ITC’s 40th Anniversary Journey to Berlin and Israel from November 1st to 13th (http://www.israeltenniscenters.org/40th-anniversary-journey/)
It all starts with an ambitious series of exhibitions in February and March throughout Florida:
- Polo Club, February 21, 3:30 pm
- Boca Raton Resort, February 23, 5 pm
- Boca West, February 24, 6 pm
- Coconut Grove, February 28, 3 pm
- Palm Aire, February 29, 11:30 am
- Frenchman’s Creek, March 1, 5 pm
- Addison Reserve, March 2, 5 pm
- Palm Beach, March 3, 4 pm
- St. Andrews, March 5, 4:30 pm
- Palm Beach, March 6, 11:30 am
- Longboat Key, March 8, 4 pm
- Tampa Bay, March 9, 6:30 pm
- BallenIsles, March 10, 4 pm
A diverse team of Israeli players and coaches representing various Israel Tennis Centers will be flying to the U.S. to share their personal stories about what the ITC has meant to them, their families and the communities in which they live. This is especially timely right now as part of Israel continues to be terrorized by attacks on its citizens. The ITC represents a safe and nurturing environment in which these children can learn vital life values while sharpening their tennis skills.
The focus of the ITC is on changing children’s lives every day so they can become better human beings. Through its social impact programs, a wide range of children are served, including youth at risk, immigrants from Ethiopian and Russia and children with special needs, from autism and ADHD to Down Syndrome as well as those with developmental and physical disabilities. The ITC also recognizes the ability of tennis to bring together children from different religions as seen in its highly successful Coexistence Program.
The Israeli players include Daniella, a 12 year old Ukrainian immigrant who came to Israel last year with her father to escape persecution. The ITC has become a ‘second home’, helping her become acclimated to Israeli society. Joining Daniella will be a 10 year old Arab Israeli boy from Jerusalem whose life is an inspiration to everyone he meets. Also marking this very special exhibition series will be an appearance by legendary Israel Davis Cup team member and former Grand Slam winner Andy Ram. He and the rest of the ITC team will make these events truly unforgettable!
For more information or to attend any of the exhibitions, contact ITC Vice President of Development Yoni Yair at 954-480-6333 or yyair@israeltenniscenters.org. You can also learn more by visiting the ITC website at www.israeltenniscenters.org.
About the Israel Tennis Centers Foundation:
The Israel Tennis Centers Foundation (ITC) is 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization that works tirelessly through the medium of sport to enhance the development of Israeli youth. Since opening its first center in Ramat Hasharon in 1976, the ITC has helped over a half million children, many of whom come from outlying and underserved towns throughout Israel. The ITC’s 14 centers stretch from Kiryat Shmona on the Lebanese border in the North to Beer Sheva bordering the Negev Desert in the South. http://www.israeltenniscenters.org.
Contacts:
Jacqueline Glodstein
Executive Vice President/Global Development
212-784-9201
Richard Weber
Global Director of Marketing
212-784-9202