On Saturday November 29th 2008, The Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Stirling Club and Charlie Palmer Group, hosted a star studded luncheon, including dignitaries and well known celebrities Andre Agassi, Steffi Graff and singing sensations Tony Bennett. and Phyllis McGuire. Legendary coach and tennis dad Mike Agassi was inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with community legend Ann Rockwell and Junior Legends Catrina and Christian Thompson. Clint Holmes as Master of Ceremonies put together a spectacular afternoon of entertainemnt including MTV boy band of the year MOSAIC, Ellie Smith and a beautiful rendition of Holme's hit, "If not now when."
"The Hall of Fame celebrates the greatness in others while helping the lives of children," said founder and USTA-Nevada Executive Director Ryan Wolfington. "Having Andre Agassi come and pay tribute to his father was by far the highlight of the day."
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Speeches from Andre Agassi, Tony Bennett, the other inductees gave tremendous meaning to this special day. Tony Bennett stood up and said, of all the people he has met in his life, among Kings and Queens, Presidents and celebrities, his best friend in the whole world is our own Tennis Director "Marty Hennessy." Hennessy has spent the last 35 years suporting the community and children who have talent but not the financial resources. His Foundation, The Marty Hennessy Jr. Tennis Foundation, has helped hundreds of children get off the streets onto the tennis court and so far 17 of these children have gotten scholarships to play college tennis due to his efforts.
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The Foundation, co-founded by he and Ryan Wolfington, was started 5 years ago and has always been supported by many Stirling Club members such as Winnie and Bob Schulman, the Tomchin Family Foundation, Kirk Kirkorian, Rashae and Jeff Taylor, Laurie Steeds Granello bakery (who did the amazing desserts), Bruce Eichner, Joy Bell, Sandy White, Joey Cusamano, Laura and Dr. Mulkey, Jenna McIntoch, Rick White, Henrieta Coleman, Marcia Niska, Kelly Clinton and her Production company, Mark Kreisberger, Membership Director Kathleen Gustafason, Barry Levinson, Mel Myers, Claudine Grant, Janet Ford, Paul King, Sharon and Rudy Prieto, Jeff & Bil Clark, Fred Chin and Evan Forrrest, Glen Alenik, Peg Franchetti, Dana and John Goyak, Peggy Donohue, Diane and Jerry Wendel, Jeff and Irene Frasier, Tony Ghandour, Sharon and Norm Jenkins, David Dinkins, Irena Devin, Jeanie Haskell and Len Robinson, Perry Rogers, Scott Karaosa, and of course Andre Agassi and his wife Steffi Graff. Sponsors included Montecito Companies, Taylor Famly Foundation, Massage Advantage, Kelly Clinton Productions, Marriott, Lake Las Vegas, USTA-Nevada,
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A special live auction was held, with Phyllis McGuire and Dr. Niuton Kiode both winning a rare original Andre Agassi signed DONAY tennis racket from hisfirt years on the tour. Countless people sponsored children to go to tennis camp this summer through the Hennessy Foundation and USTA-Nevada clinics. To sponsor a child call RyanWolfington at 702-822-1081. All proceeds from the event went to USTA-Nevada which promotes, grows and administers the game of tennis in Southern Nevada. Their junior programs and scholarships help youth reach their greatest potential. More information can be found at www.nevadatennis.usta.com. Funds also went to support the Marty Hennessy Jr. Tennis Foundation, which inspires children in need through mentoring, tennis and education. More information can be found at www.LasVegasTennis.com
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