Slam-Dunk
proached Charlie Rothstein, the then-president
of Detroit Tennis and Squash Club (DTSC) in
Farmington Hills, about hosting a charity tennis
tournament. The event would benefit Children's Hos-
pital of Michigan, which cared for Joe and Debbie Du-
mars' son Jordan when he was hospitalized for an
illness.
Rothstein charged ahead with a group of DTSC vol-
unteers and, in just three years, the Joe Dumars
Celebrity Tennis Classic has become the area's pre-
mier tennis fund-raiser, contributing more than
$300,000 to Children's Hospital.
A tennis classic put on by a five-time NBA All-Star?
"Tennis is, without question, my second love, as far
as sports are concerned," said Dumars. "Since the vast
majority of events du,ring the spring and summer tend
to be golf outings, and given my love for tennis, creat-
ing a charity event based on the sport was a natural
fit"
The doubles tournament pairs a sports or enter-
tainment celebrity with a tennis professional or col-
legiate player for a 16-team lineup. The teams will
be auctioned off at the kick-off dinner tonight at the
Ritz Carlton and will compete tomorrow at DTSC.
A member of DTSC, Dumars, in appreciation of the
club's continued support, has always reserved two tour-
nament spots for DTSC members, in addition to the 14
invited tennis pros. In the past, Mike Jacobson, Jeff
Shapiro, Craig Ellison and Adam Rothstein have played
in the tournament with celebrity partners. This year,
Ron Yolles will be a team competitor.
"Beyond the use of their facility, the Detroit Tennis
and Squash Club members have been vital to the suc-
cess of the Celebrity Tennis Classic," Dumars said.
Mary Fisher, founder of the Family AIDS Network,
author and artist, is the featured special guest speaker
at the dinner.
"I think what Joe does in the community of Detroit is
amazing. He's an incredible person," said Fisher, a for-
mer Detroiter who comes home frequently to visit her
family. "As a couple, Joe and Debbie are very giving peo-
PHOTOS COURTESY OF E INSTEIN PHOTO
T
n 1992, Detroit Pistons star Joe Dumars ap-
Above: Pros Mal Washington, left, and Todd Martin,
center, have supported Joe Dumars, right, and
Children's Hospital.
Far left: Wimbledon finalist Mal Washington
entertained a large crowd last year at Detroit Tennis
& Squash Club.
Left: Two-time Wimbledon semifinalist Todd Martin
is expected to headline this year's exhibition match.
ple, and I was raised that way as
well. I support what they do for
Children's Hospital."
Celebrities slated to play in the
tournament include Jason Kidd,
John Lucas, Tim Cheveldae, Dave
Bing, Mike Stone, Bill Davidson,
Robert Porcher and Jack Mc-
Closkey. In addition, there will be
an exhibition match featuring
world-ranked tennis pros; Aaron
Krickstein, Mal Washington, Todd
Martin and Carrie Cunningham
are among the players who have participated in past ex-
hibitions.
The event will be televised live on PASS Sports, and
WDIV-TV will host a half-hour post-event.
"The tournament itself presents an opportunity for
families and individuals of every back-
ground to enjoy a day of great tennis as well
as the opportunity to interact with local and
national celebrities," said Dumars.
❑
— Julie Yolks
e The
Sub_
Du= -
mars Celebrity Te
sic kicks off
with a dinner at 6
. tonight, July
12, at the Ritz Carlto ±ti 3 i
rn. Ti
eta are $150 per pe
1010.
The tournament will play
a.m.-5 pn. Saturday, July 13, at
etroit Te
d Squash Club, 31031 Drake
Mile Road in Farmington
-
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Brunch with
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Custer LaRue, soprano,
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vihuela and cittern.
The DIA, 5200
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(313, 833-7900.
Sun., 11 a.m.