The Legends Ball, a Benefit for the Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, Set for Sept. 10th in NYC

May 10, 2010 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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The Legends Ball, which benefits the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, returns to Cipriani 42nd Street, in New York City, on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. – the last Friday of the U.S. Open. Regarded as the premier social event of the U.S. Open, this special night of celebration will honor a host of tennis luminaries including the Hall of Fame Class of 2010. John and Alexandra Ross of New York and Mike and Becky Goss of Westport, Conn., will serve as co-chairs of the event.

The Legends Ball, held annually since 1980, brings the tennis world together to celebrate the history of the game and to honor some of the sport’s great contributors all while raising money for the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. A legendary line-up of tennis greats will be in attendance, including more than a dozen Hall of Famers and tennis dignitaries. The event will honor the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2010 – the 14-time Grand Slam doubles tandem of Gigi Fernandez and Natasha Zvereva; legendary Australian doubles partners Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde, winners of 11 Grand Slam championships; fellow Aussie men’s and mixed doubles champion Owen Davidson, winner of 12 Grand Slam titles; wheelchair tennis pioneer Brad Parks; and Derek Hardwick, who was instrumental in the transition to the Open Era. In addition to honoring the Class of 2010, the International Tennis Hall of Fame will also recognize several other people and organizations for their contributions to the sport with the Eugene L. Scott Award and the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Award.

“In our continuing mission to preserve the history of tennis, we proudly celebrate the accomplishments of our recent inductees of the Class of 2010 at this important event for the International Tennis Hall of Fame, a landmark for tennis enthusiasts worldwide,” said Christopher E. Clouser, chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. “In addition to honoring champions of the sport and meeting tennis legends, guests will have the opportunity to bid on unique memorabilia and experiences in our silent and live auctions and, of course, enjoy Cipriani. We look forward to an unforgettable celebration of tennis and we extend our appreciation to our co-chairs John and Alexandra Ross and Mike and Becky Goss for their support and leadership of the 2010 Legends Ball.”

PHOTO CREDIT: ITHOF

 

 

Real Housewives of NYC stars and tennis lovers Mario and Ramona Singer attended the 2009 Legends Ball

 

 

 

 

John J. Ross II, a former professional tennis player, is managing partner of Fidus Partners, a middle market merchant bank. Ross was active on the ATP World Tour from 1987-1991, achieving an ATP singles ranking in the top 100. Prior to co-founding Fidus Partners in 2005, Ross spent more than ten years advising clients on mergers and acquisitions at Bowles Hollowell Conner & Co., and its successors. Ross earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University, where he was a member of the tennis team and was a three-time All-American. He also earned a Master’s of Business Administration from the Harvard Graduate School of Business. Alexandra Ross received a Bachelor’s of Science in international relations from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. She is a marketing and communications professional who has consulted for foreign governments and Fortune 500 companies; most recently she was a marketing manager for a custom publishing business at Time Inc. Alexandra and John live in Tribeca with their three children Jack, Sylvia and number three, who is due in June.

Mike Goss is managing director and chief operating officer of Bain Capital LLC. Goss returned to Bain Capital in 2001 as managing director and chief financial officer after originally working at Bain Capital as an investment professional from 1987-1989. He was named chief operating officer in 2005. Goss received a Master’s of Business Administration with Distinction from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor’s of Science from Kansas State University, where he was a member of the varsity tennis team from 1978-1981. He is member of the Board of Directors of the Private Equity Council, the Private Equity Foundation, and Tennis Channel. Becky Goss is a dealer of antique and vintage furniture, and mother of the Gosses’ two daughters, Emma and Lucy. The Gosses reside in Westport, Conn.

PHOTO CREDIT: ITHOF

 

Martina Navratilova, Pam Shriver and Monica Seles were among the more than a dozen Hall of Famers at the 2009 Legends Ball

 

 

 

 

 

Always a highlight of the evening, The Legends Ball auction will feature an array of exclusive experiences and luxury items that will excite tennis fans and non-tennis fans alike. In the past, auction items have included hit sessions with tennis luminaries Pete Sampras, Jim Courier and Monica Seles; ticket and travel packages to Grand Slam events; golf at legendary courses like Winged Foot; autographed tennis memorabilia from Roger Federer, James Blake and Andre Agassi; exotic vacation packages; and golf, baseball, hockey, basketball and football tickets and memorabilia.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or to learn more about The Legends Ball, call (212) 843-1740 or e-mail legendsball@hgnyc.com


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
USTA NTC
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