Tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe continues his commitment to the sport through the Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP), which changes young lives by removing the economic and social barriers to success through tennis. In support of that important mission, the legend is offering a chance to “Hang Out in the Hamptons with Mac” during a weekend of special events that he is hosting with a little help from a few of his friends.
On Saturday, August 27, it’s “An Evening with John McEnroe and Friends,” which includes dinner under the stars with the stars at a private oceanfront home in East Hampton. McEnroe will be joined by comedian, actress, writer, producer and TV host Chelsea Handler, singer/songwriter Patty Smyth (lead singer, Scandal) other friends and surprise guests for dinner on the beach, wine, live music and comedy. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m..
Then, on Sunday, August 28, the JMTP Pro Am gets underway at 3 p.m. at SPORTIME Amagansett (320 Abrahams Path, East Hampton, 11937). Participants will compete in a round robin doubles tournament (up to seven rounds of approximately 15-20 minutes each) alongside pro partners, including John and Patrick McEnroe, current WTA and ATP World Tour professionals and legends, John McEnroe Tennis Academy pros as well as tennis-obsessed celebrities including Chelsea Handler. The winningest amateurs will have a chance to advance semifinal matches that will pair them with McEnroe and other greats.
“Last year’s first annual JMTP Pro Am at Amagansett was a huge success,” said McEnroe. “Participants had a great time and played competitive tennis. Most important, the Pro Am is an important fundraiser that celebrates and supports the Johnny Mac Tennis Project and our goal to remove the barriers to tennis opportunity and success for under-resourced kids.”
There are numerous entry levels with varying benefits:
Regional Ticket Level – includes one Pro Am entrant and one spectator ticket, $1500
National Ticket Level – includes Dinner Under the Stars, one Pro Am entrant and one spectator ticket, $1750
Champion Ticket Level – includes two dinner tickets, one Pro Am entrant and one spectator ticket, $2000
Grandstand Ticket Level – includes spectator ticket to the Pro Am, $50
The Johnny Mac Tennis Project believes that tennis is a change agent and a sport of opportunity for New York City area children. Its Tennis Pathway to Success® provides multiple, year-round opportunities, from introductory programs provided to schools and community based organizations (CBOs), which focus on cultivating healthy lifestyles and self-discipline, to world-class tournament training for aspiring college scholarship recipients and professional athletes.
Those interested may go to www.jmtpny.org to sign up or for more information or contact organizers directly via email at [email protected] or by calling 212-427-6150.
‘Hang Out in the Hamptons with Mac’ sponsors include: Bird in Hand, Hamptons Magazine, HEAD Penn, Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee, John McEnroe Tennis Academy, Nike and Sportime.