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WTEF's 2026 Gala: A Night of Community and Generosity

On July 24, 2026, the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) hosted its annual Share the Love Gala at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., a night that proved to be more than just a fundraising event. It was a celebration of community support, dedication, and the profound impact of the foundation’s mission. This year, the gala set a remarkable record by raising an astonishing $1.09 million, a significant achievement that will directly benefit tuition-free programs aimed at over 700 children and teenagers in the Washington, D.C. area.

Candace Smith, WTEF's Chief Executive Officer, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, "This year's event brought together over 550 supporters and raised $1.09 million for WTEF. We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary show of community support, which will help us launch our strategic plan and expand our programs to serve more than 1,000 students per year tuition-free within the next five years."

The gala was emceed by NBC4's Jim Handly and Jummy Olabanji, adding a touch of warmth and familiarity to the proceedings. The evening highlighted special honorees, including Kevin Reilly, the owner and president of Alexandria Hyundai Genesis of Alexandria, awarded as the Community Champion Honoree, and Chris Eubanks, a broadcaster for Tennis Channel and ESPN, recognized as the Champion of Tennis Honoree. The lively atmosphere was further enlivened by a fireside chat featuring Eubanks and Hailey Baptiste, a rising WTA star and proud WTEF alumna.

Adding excitement to the occasion, Frances Tiafoe, a notable professional tennis player, made a surprise appearance, much to the delight of the attendees. The gala also celebrated WTEF's young talents, showcasing six elementary students who triumphed in the inaugural public speaking competition presented in partnership with the Highest Speak initiative, recognizing their hard work and achievements.

The success of the 2026 Gala is attributed to the dedication of WTEF's corporate sponsors and community partners. Notably, Trustar Bank served as the presenting sponsor, with its CEO Shaza Andersen serving simultaneously as WTEF's Board Chair. Furthermore, Mission Partner Mubadala renewed its partnership for an additional two years, continuing their support for the WTEF's Global Internship Program, which has benefitted numerous alumni through professional development and mentorship opportunities.

Additional sponsors who contributed to the success of this year's gala include Edward Jones, Citi, Sports Betting Alliance, and Genesis Motor America, among others. Their collective efforts and contributions helped ensure that the funds raised will directly support WTEF's mission to build life champions both on and off the tennis court.

The funds generated from this gala will continue to uphold WTEF's commitment to provide tuition-free academic and athletic programs, allowing young people in Washington, D.C. to excel without financial barriers.

As WTEF looks forward to expanding its reach and impact, they invite the community to continue supporting their mission. For those interested in learning more about WTEF's programs, making gifts, or exploring sponsorship opportunities, further information can be found on their official website at wtef.org.

About WTEF

The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering life champions among young people. With over 70 years of service, WTEF offers children and youth in Washington, D.C. a secure and supportive environment, providing pathways to academic success and life skills via after-school and summer programs centered around tennis. Every contribution aids in nurturing the talents and potential of the next generation.