TENNIS GREAT JOHN MCENROE HOSTS NYC COMEDY NIGHT

TO RAISE FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR TENNIS PROJECT

 

Carolines on Broadway

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

 

Those who know him attest to his killer wit and sophisticated sense of humor, the verbal equivalent of his world-famous volleying skill on the tennis court. On April 25^th, sports superstar John McEnroe lent his comedic aptitude and appreciation to curating an evening featuring some of the city’s funniest New Yorkers at Carolines on Broadway. The first-ever Stand Up for a Cause event benefited his transformative tennis, the Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP).

 

“This event was a long-held dream of mine, a phenomenally fun way to raise funds and awareness for the groundbreaking work we do at the Johnny Mac Tennis Project,” said John McEnroe. “I’ve been lucky to have a skill that enables me to act like a kid well beyond my childhood. The majority of my adult life has been spent making sure that deserving kids get a real shot at successful adulthood. With Stand Up for a Cause at Carolines, I’m inviting the public to join me in this important endeavor.”

 

Founded in 2012, JMTP has transformed the lives of thousands of children from under-resourced communities at the Sportime Randall’s Island facility. This groundbreaking initiative, which has disbursed over $2M in tennis scholarships, provides athletic and life success training to some of the New York City’s most at-risk kids. Inspired by John McEnroe’s vision, JMTP serves as a model for effective programming well beyond the realm of sports.

 

“On and off the tennis court, my brother John is able to appreciate life’s absurdities, both large and small," said Patrick McEnroe, new Johnny Mac Board Member. "From the time we were kids, he’s always understood the power of laughter to transcend life’s tough times. At the Johnny Mac Stand up for a Cause comedy evening, the cost of admission will buy patrons an evening of solid gold entertainment and thousands of children a better future. I hope you will join me, John and our friends at this unforgettable event.” 

 

 

The Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP) changes young lives by removing the economic and social barriers to success through tennis. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, JMTP introduces tennis to thousands of New York City kids from under-resourced areas, particularly those living in East Harlem and the South Bronx, two communities immediately adjacent to our base at Sportime Randall’s Island. JMTP kids are first introduced to tennis as a life-long health, fitness and social activity. For our most dedicated young athletes, ages six to 18 years old, JMTP funds scholarships to the John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) which provides a pathway to success through competitive tennis, leading to college scholarships, careers in the industry, and, for a few, professional tennis careers and, perhaps, Grand Slam titles.