Contacts:

For Immediate Release

WORLD’S NO. 1 AND US OPEN CHAMPION SERENA WILLIAMS TO HEADLINE SHRIVER’S 2008 CHARITY TENNIS CLASSIC

Baltimore, September 8 – Tennis and entertainment megastar, Serena Williams will lead an all-star cast of some of the greatest names in tennis at the PNC Tennis Classic presented by The Baltimore Sun, it was announced by Tournament Chairman and Founder, Pam Shriver. Williams, who captured the No. 1 ranking by winning her third US Open Singles Championship over Jelena Jankovic on Sunday night, will headline the Tennis Classic Feature Match at the 1st Mariner Arena on Friday evening, November 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

The 2008 Tennis Classic, the area’s premier charitable sporting event, will be celebrate its 23rd anniversary in Baltimore thanks to the support of PNC Bank, The Baltimore Sun and many other loyal sponsors and supporters. Net proceeds from the Tennis Classic are distributed to children’s charities under the guidance of the Baltimore Community Foundation. Since 1986, over $4 million has been raised and distributed to many of the area’s needy non-profits.

“We are thrilled that Serena has made playing in Baltimore part of her year end plans,” Tournament Chairman and Founder, Pam Shriver, said. “To be showcasing the talents of one of the greatest tennis players of all time is like a dream come true. Serena, now the world’s No. 1 with nine Grand Slam titles and a second Olympic Gold Medal in Beijing, is an icon on and off the court that transcends the world of sports. The fans of Baltimore should expect a great show and hosting the event on a Friday night will only help to enhance the excitement.”

“For more than 23 years Pam Shriver has dedicated her time and talent to helping improve the quality of life of area children,” said Lou Cestello, PNC Regional President. “We are proud of her success and grateful to play a role in helping to make a difference in the community we call home.”

“I’m so pleased to be able to continue partnering with an organization like PNC that shares our vision of investing in the community for a brighter future for our children,” said Shriver. “We share many of the same philanthropic passions and hope to make big strides and reach new heights in our combined community efforts.”

The Tennis Classic is scheduled for Friday evening, November 21 at Baltimore’s 1st Mariner Arena. Tickets are on sale now though all Ticketmaster outlets including the 1st Mariner Arena, or by calling Ticketmaster Phonecharge at 410-547-SEAT (7328). Sponsorship and ticket information can be obtained by calling the Tournament Office at (410) 296-2929 or via the web at www.pnctennisclassic.org.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations providing consumer and business banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management; asset management and global fund services.

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