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 - This Week's Best Bets Pewabic Pottery Last weekend to catch the 1995-96 Student, Faculty and Staff Exhibi- tion, which focuses on tile making, Fr i. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 80 wheel throwing, hand building and figurative sculpture. 10125 E. Jef- ferson, across from Waterworks Park. Detroit. (313) 822-0954. Howard Markel and Frank Oski Reggae Sunsplash Authors of The Practical Pediatrician: A Guide to Your Child's Health, Be . . hamor and Safety sign their book at Borders Books and Music, Now (810) 347-0780. It's an outdoor show — the way reggae should be seen. Featuring Big Mountain, Dennis Brown, Sugar Minott, - Fri., 8 pan.. Sat., 3 p.m. Capleton, Judy Mowatt and Skool Band. Phoenix Plaza Amphitheatre , 10 Water Street, Pontiac. (810) 335-4850. Big Dadd t - = Kinsey He brings his KM sey Report for some Chicago-style blues to the Magic Bag in Ferndale. (810) 544-1991. - Sat., 9 p.m. Brunch with Bach Well, at least his music. Custer LaRue, soprano, will be accompanied by Mark Cudek on guitar, vihuela and cittern. The DIA, 5200 Woodward, Detroit. (313, 833-7900. Sun., 11 a.m.