Move Your Feet Tennis Foundation Joins USTA NJTL! Let’s Celebrate 3 Years of Community Impact

Hi friends and supporters,

We’re thrilled to share some major news: Move Your Feet Tennis Foundation (MYFTF) is turning 3 this October—and we have even more reason to celebrate this year.

Big Milestone: We’re Now a USTA Foundation NJTL Chapter!

We’re proud to announce that MYFTF has officially become a chapter of the USTA Foundation’s National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) program—a national network focused on providing tennis and education programs to under-resourced youth across the country.

Becoming part of the NJTL family means more resources, more support, and more impact as we continue our mission to make tennis accessible and empowering for all kids—regardless of background or income.

Helping Families Affected by the Eaton Fire

With the community’s support, we’ve already:

• Awarded summer camp scholarships to kids affected by the Eaton Fire.

• Planned a new 10-week tennis training series, aiming to serve 100+ youth this year.

But we can’t do this alone—we need your help to keep going.

Save the Date: Our 3rd Annual Community Family Celebration

Friday, October 11, 2025, Hamilton Park, Pasadena🕐 Time: TBD

Join us for a fun-filled day of tennis, games, prizes, food, and community love as we celebrate how far we’ve come—and where we’re headed.

This year’s celebration will include an online auction to raise critical funds for our 2025 youth programs. And here’s where you come in:

How You Can Help: Donate to Our Online Auction

We’re looking for donated items such as:

• Gift cards

• Products or baskets

• Weekend getaways or hotel stays

• Professional services

Every single item helps us reach more kids.

If you or someone you know can contribute,

please contact:Aurora Vega-Dottavio ajvdottavio@gmail.com 323-823-0431

You can also view our donor tracking sheet here, which we’re updating regularly. A formal donation request letter with our EIN (93-2189649) is available to download as well.

Why It Matters

With your support, MYFTF can:

• Expand access to tennis and fitness

• Foster mentorship and community leadership

• Build pathways for success—on and off the court

We believe in the power of sport to shape strong, confident, and resilient kids. Let’s make this year’s celebration our best yet—and keep the momentum going strong into year four!

Thank you for being part of the MYFTF family. Stay tuned for updates—and see you on the court!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for news, photos, and more ways to get involved.

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Celebrating Black Excellence: Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe was a legendary African-American tennis player who made a significant impact on the sport, as well as on civil rights and social justice. He was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1943, and faced discrimination and segregation from a young age. Despite these challenges, Ashe excelled in both academics and sports, earning a scholarship to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and becoming the first Black player to win the United States Open.

Ashe's success on the court was only a small part of his legacy. He was also an activist and advocate for civil rights and social justice. He used his platform as a top tennis player to speak out against racism and inequality, and he was involved in many political and social causes throughout his life.

In 1969, Ashe joined a group of Black athletes in a protest against South Africa's apartheid policies at the South African Open. He was also an early supporter of the Women's Tennis Association, advocating for equal pay for female players.

Ashe's activism extended beyond sports. He was a vocal critic of apartheid in South Africa and supported the anti-apartheid movement. He also founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS, after contracting HIV from a blood transfusion during heart surgery in 1983. The foundation raised millions of dollars for AIDS research and education.

Ashe's life and career were cut short when he died in 1993 at the age of 49. However, his legacy lives on. He was a trailblazer and an inspiration, not just for Black athletes, but for anyone who values equality and justice.

Arthur Ashe was a remarkable figure who left an indelible mark on the world of sports and on the fight for social justice. As we celebrate Black History Month, we remember his legacy and the impact he made on the world.

Celebrating Black Excellence: Althea Gibson

As Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of black individuals who have significantly impacted history, it is important to acknowledge the accomplishments of Althea Gibson, a trailblazer in the world of tennis.

Althea Gibson was born in South Carolina in 1927 and grew up in Harlem, New York City. Despite facing significant obstacles due to her race and gender, Gibson excelled in tennis from a young age. She began playing tennis on the public courts in Harlem and quickly showed her talent, winning her first tournament at age 15.

Gibson's success in tennis continued to grow. In 1950, she became the first black tennis player to compete in the United States National Championships. Although she lost in the second round, this was a groundbreaking achievement that paved the way for future black tennis players. In 1951, she won her first major title, the French Open, becoming the first black person to win a Grand Slam title.

Over the next few years, Gibson continued to break barriers in tennis. In 1956, she became the first black person to win a singles title at Wimbledon, and in 1957 she won both the singles and doubles titles at Wimbledon. She also won the U.S. National Championships in 1957 and 1958, making her the first black person to win that tournament.

Gibson's success in tennis paved the way for future black tennis players. It helped break down racial barriers in other areas of society. She was one of the first black athletes to gain widespread recognition and fame. She used her platform to advocate for racial equality and civil rights.

After retiring from tennis in the 1960s, Gibson continued to make a difference in the world. She worked as a tennis instructor and became a professional golfer, another sport in which she excelled. In 1971, she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. In 2019, a statue of her was unveiled at the U.S. Open.

Althea Gibson's legacy as a pioneer in tennis and an advocate for civil rights continues to inspire people today. Her determination and perseverance in the face of discrimination and adversity serve as a reminder of the importance of breaking down barriers and fighting for equality. As we celebrate Black History Month, we should remember Althea Gibson's contributions to the world of sports and society.

On July 6, 1957, Althea Gibson became the first black tennis player to win a Wimbledon singles title. She is pictured here in an unpublished frame from 1949 by the great Gordon Parks. (Gordon Parks—The LIFE Picture Collection