Some of Washington’s powerhouse politicians, newsmen and other notables will vie for the Kastles Cup while raising money for a great cause during the fourth annual Washington Kastles Charity Classic this Wednesday, July 22 at the Smith Center, located on the George Washington University campus.
Members of Congress and the national media will join the five-time Mylan World TeamTennis champion Washington Kastles for this one-of-a-kind tennis event.
Democrats, Republicans and even the Kastles will be separated into Team Stars and Team Stripes for a series of fast-paced tiebreakers. The team with the most cumulative points at the end of the final tiebreaker will capture the Charity Classic championship.
The 2014 Charity Classic ended dramatically when Representative Charlie Dent (R-PA) rallied Team Stripes to a 47-46 comeback victory, earning MVP honors along the way. Representative Dent returns this year, joining his 2014 teammates Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL), ABC News’ Jonathan Karl, and former Director of the National Economic Council Gene Sperling.
Founded in 2008, the Kastles have made more than $1 million in charitable donations. The Charity Classic is an extension of those efforts with 100% of ticket proceeds benefiting Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), DC Public Education Fund, and Food & Friends. Fans can choose which organization to support when they make their ticket purchase.
“Our franchise’s founding mission has been to give back to the D.C. community, which makes the Charity Classic such a meaningful night,” said Kastles owner Mark Ein. “People who don’t agree on much can agree that tennis is the sport of a lifetime and a wonderful way to come together. Kastles players and fans are very much looking forward to this year’s event.”
Representing the Kastles at the Charity Classic are reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open mixed doubles champion Leander Paes, Top 25 doubles player Anastasia Rodionova, big-serving American star Sam Querrey, and head coach Murphy Jensen. They will be joined on the court by:
- Representative Joyce Beatty, D-OH
- Representative Cheri Bustos, D-IL
- Representative Charlie Dent, R-PA
- Representative Bob Dold, R-IL
- Representative Jared Huffman, D-CA
- Representative Bobby Scott, D-VA
- Representative Kevin Yoder, R-KS
- Senator Jeff Flake, R-AZ
- Senator Jeff Merkley, D-OR
- Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-WV
- Bret Baier, Fox News
- Mark Ein, Washington Kastles Owner
- John-Paul Flaim, The Sports Junkies on 106.7 The Fan
- Ed Henry, Fox News
- Jonathan Karl, ABC News
- Ben Olsen, DC United Head Coach
- Gene Sperling, Former Director of the National Economic Council
More Charity Classic players will be announced on WashingtonKastles.com as the match approaches.
All ticket proceeds go to charity and general admission tickets cost $10 through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 202-397-7328). VIP dinner tables, boxes and seats start at $50 and can be purchased by calling 202-4-TENNIS (483-6647).
Kastles Stadium at the Smith Center is located at 600 22nd Street NW, three blocks from the Foggy Bottom-GWU stop on Metrorail’s blue, orange and silver lines. Parking is available for $10 at four George Washington University parking garages located within three blocks of the Smith Center.
