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For Immediate Release

LINDSAY DAVENPORT JOINS SHRIVER’S BCF TENNIS CHALLENGE GIANT KILLER LINE UP

(Baltimore, November 25) - Former world No. 1 and Olympic Gold Medalist Lindsay Davenport joins the world’s No. 1 doubles team, Bob and Mike Bryan, and US Open giant killers Melanie Oudin and John Isner, for the BCF Tennis Challenge presented by The Baltimore Sun Media Group at the 1st Mariner on Wednesday, December 9 at 7:00 PM.

Tickets for the BCF Tennis Challenge are on sale through all Ticketmaster outlets including the 1st Mariner Arena Box Office, 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 tennischallenge.org.

Davenport, a three-time Grand Slam singles champion, (US Open, Wimbledon, and Australian Open) and four-time Grand-Slam doubles champion was four times the WTA Tour year-end No. 1. She has the distinction of being one of six players to reach the No. 1 world ranking in both singles and doubles. Davenport also finished in the Top 20 in singles for 13 consecutive years.

“Lindsay is a future Hall of Famer. She ranks along side of Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, and Chris Evert as one of only four players, who have been ranked year-end No. 1 on four occasions,” said tournament chairperson Pam Shriver. “I can guarantee all of the matches will be ultra competitive.”

The “Let it Rip” Reception and Auction, featuring the Bryan Bros. Band playing music from their new “Let it Rip” CD, will kick off Shriver’s 24th annual charity fundraiser on Tuesday, December 8 at the Tremont Grand Hotel. Tickets can be purchased by calling 410-296-2929.

The BCF Tennis Challenge presented by The Baltimore Sun Media Group is the longest running annual charity event in the world. Since 1986, more than $4 million has been raised and distributed to area charities through Shriver’s partnership with the Baltimore Community Foundation.

The BCF Tennis Challenge will include World TeamTennis format and scoring, featuring members of the Orioles and Ravens mixing it up with the tennis pros in a pro-celebrity doubles match.

About BCF

The BCF Tennis Challenge presented by The Baltimore Sun benefits the Baltimore Community Foundation. Proceeds from the Tennis Challenge are received by the Tennis Challenge Fund, one of more than 600 charitable funds administered by BCF. BCF raises, manages and distributes funds for charitable purposes in the Greater Baltimore region. With assets of $143 million, BCF distributed $28 million in 2008 to hundreds of nonprofit organizations in the Baltimore region and beyond. BCF invites donors to Invest in Baltimore through its civic agenda, which combines economic development with poverty reduction by making strategic investments in the areas of human services, youth, education, transportation, neighborhoods, diversity, environment, arts and culture, and promoting Baltimore.

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