HTA honors retired executive director and raises funds for city's free youth tennis program HOUSTON (Aug. 15, 2007)–A tribute to Harriett Hulbert, who retired as executive director from the Houston Tennis Association in July, will be held Thursday, September 6, at the Houston Racquet Club, 10709 Memorial Drive. Proceeds from the event will benefit the National Junior Tennis League, the city’s free youth tennis program administered by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and supported by the HTA. The NJTL was established in 1969 by tennis pros Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder with the goal of developing the character of young people through tennis by reaching out to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn to play tennis, by instilling the values of leadership and academic excellence and by giving youngsters the opportunity to fully develop their tennis skills so that they can enjoy the sport all their lives. For the past 20 years, HTA and HPARD have worked together to offer free youth tennis and education programs at neighborhood park sites throughout the Houston area. Currently, the program serves 5,000 children each year. Linda Lorelle will emcee the evening, which includes a reception, auction and seated dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person. Hulbert, who was president of HTA in 1980 and 1981, began her career with HTA in 1984 as assistant executive director and was named executive director two years later. Prior to becoming staff, she spent many years volunteering for tournaments and various activities, including serving two years as president of the organization. She is also a certified umpire and referee. Hulbert’s tennis honors include receiving the HTA Sampson Award and the W.T. Caswell Award from the USTA/Texas Section while a volunteer, being named Tournament Director of the Year by the Texas Section in 2002 and receiving appreciation awards from the Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund and the Houston NJTL. Hulbert has been a volunteer for the USTA/Texas Section for 32 years, serving on the Executive Committee, as secretary and as Southeast Zone chairman and is currently on the Awards Committee and the Junior Tennis Council Executive Board. For information and reservations call Gloria Dial at 281-261-8640, e-mail bevctaylor@aol.com # # #
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