The past twelve months have been very tough in that Kids Tennis Foundation has operated without a Principal Sponsor. However, I’m very pleased to report that we have continued to deliver our programs throughout Australia, providing a positive impact on the lives of thousands of underprivileged children.

Obviously, all members of the Board and our CEO Susie Norton are each working furiously in endeavouring to attract ongoing major sponsorship. KTF is not only a valuable and worthwhile charity, but also offers sponsors great exposure and excellent promotion opportunities. If you are at all interested in exploring the prospect of sponsorship, or know any organisation that might see the benefits of an association with KTF, please call Susie. We have produced a very comprehensive sponsorship package including a DVD demonstrating the depth and reach of our welfare program and will be happy to pass it on to anybody wanting to develop a support relationship with KTF.

We have had wonderful ongoing support from Garnier, who exceeded last year’s very generous contribution by $20,000! A huge thank you to Mark Tucker and Mark O’Keefe and their overwhelmingly friendly and helpful Garnier family. Additionally we have continued to receive fabulous gift packs and presentation packs containing Garnier’s impressive range of products for use in our annual fund raising activities.

And, what would we do without the Hyundai Hopman Cup in WA and the generosity of the Variety Club WA. Not only did KTF receive in excess of $40,000 from funds raised through auction and raffle at the annual Hopman Cup Ball, but also, through the Aces Program during the Hopman Cup tournament, Members Equity most generously donated $10,000 to Kids Tennis Foundation.

Continued and very necessary financial support was gratefully received from the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation (Victoria), again through the Eldon & Anne Foote Trust, and from the Tennis Australia Charitable Fund. Prime TV continues to generously provide a number of KTF advertorials throughout regional Victoria.

The Park Hyatt in Melbourne was the magnificent venue for our “Pastel, Paisley and Pearl” Ball MC’d superbly by tennis legend Todd Woodbridge. A great night of food, wine and dancing, along with some exciting entertainment for good measure. We benefitted greatly from the enthusiastic bidding in both the main and silent auctions. Congratulations and thanks to all successful bidders. Please note in your organiser that The Park Hyatt Melbourne will once again be the venue for our 2009 Gala, “A Night at Champagne Charlie’s”, on
Friday 28th August.

The annual Mothers’ Day Lunch at Leonda by the Yarra was also a magnificent success, voted by many of the record number of attendees as “one of the best lunches ever”, thanks largely to the wonderful talents of Wendy Stapleton. Once again Garnier and Kate Hill Flowers rose to the occasion for which we are extremely grateful.

We are indebted to so many who contribute in cash and kind. The hard working Social Committee continues to organise wonderful events that provide enjoyment for those attending and a financial return to KTF. We’re grateful also to the many tennis clubs who donate court usage, racquets and balls. The State Administrators, the coaches, the schools and their most co-operative staff, all of whom help in delivering our great program, thankyou. The coaches offer more than tennis coaching and we continue to receive testimonials telling us how they provide such a positive role model and give the kids a great sense of responsibility and self awareness.

A huge thankyou to our hard working CEO Susie Norton who maintains her enthusiasm and commitment and the equally hard working and dedicated National Co-ordinator, Kate Szabo. Their contribution ensures our Program is in very good hands. Finally thankyou to the Board Members who actively participate in ensuring we continue to provide a very worthwhile social welfare program.