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With the BNP Paribas Open underway in Palm Desert, less than two months after devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, the WTA and WTA Foundation acted swiftly to support affected tennis communities. WTA Legends Alexandra Stevenson and Gigi Fernandez led these efforts, ensuring that both financial and emotional support reached those in need.
Palisades Charter High School Receives Immediate Support
With the destruction by the fires of Palisades Charter High School, the impact on varsity teams was magnified in Stevenson's mind, as he coaches six of the school's players. Many players were left without courts and, in some instances, without homes.
Stevenson worked alongside Palisades coach Bud Kling and Ann Austin, Executive Director of the WTA Foundation, to allow both boys' and girls' teams to attend the BNP Paribas Open on March 7. While there, World No. 5 Madison Keys posed for pictures and signed autographs for the players. In addition, a donation of $10,000 was given by Sakkari and Austin on behalf of the WTA Foundation to help support the displaced students.
“It was so important for these players to receive positive support after nearly two months without any normalcy in their lives,” said Stevenson. “Seeing the best players in the world compete at the BNP Paribas Open was uplifting and energizing.”
Gigi Fernandez Raises $50,000 for Tennis Rebuilding Efforts
While Stevenson worked closely with local teams, Gigi Fernandez took swift action to raise funds for rebuilding efforts. Partnering with the WTA Foundation, Fernandez secured $50,000 to assist the Palisades Tennis Center and support the Altadena tennis community affected by the fires.
“When I learned what had happened in the Los Angeles area, I was compelled to act,” said Fernandez. “Less than six months ago, my house was flooded, and my car was lost in back-to-back hurricanes. Ironically, just before that, I’d started planning a nonprofit, so I followed through and created one to help disaster victims.”
Fernandez launched her nonprofit, "Tennis for Hope," while awaiting 501(c)(3) status. She partnered with the WTA Foundation as a fiscal sponsor to raise and disburse funds.
Donations to Palisades Tennis Center and Altadena
During a ceremony held in the WTA suite at Indian Wells, Fernandez, accompanied by Hall of Famer Pam Shriver, presented a $25,000 check to Palisades Tennis Center Director Mike Tomas to aid the rebuilding process. She further announced another $25,000 commitment to support the Altadena tennis community’s recovery efforts.
WTA Foundation’s Mission to Impact Lives
Ann Austin, Executive Director of the WTA Foundation, highlighted the importance of their mission:
“The WTA Foundation’s mission is to change lives. We responded immediately to provide both financial and emotional support to those whose lives have been changed forever by these fires.”
The efforts by the WTA Foundation, Stevenson, and Fernandez have brought much-needed hope and resources to the affected tennis communities in California, helping them take the first steps toward rebuilding.
