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For Immediate Release

JOHN McENROE JOINS BCF TENNIS CHALLENGE GIANT KILLER LINE UP
Four Current and Former World No. 1 Players Featured in Shriver’s 24th Charity Event

(Baltimore, November 25) - Former world No. 1 and Tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe joins fellow former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport, current world No. 1 doubles stars Bob and Mike Bryan, US Open giant killers Melanie Oudin and John Isner, for the BCF Tennis Challenge presented by The Baltimore Sun Media Group at 1st Mariner Arena on Wednesday, December 9 at 7 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.

McEnroe, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, (US Open, Wimbledon,) and 10-time Grand-Slam doubles champion, also led the U.S. to five Davis Cup Championships while finishing the year ranked No. 1 in singles and doubles four times plus two additional times in doubles. He has won more than 150 career doubles and singles championships.

McEnroe has been a tennis commentator for major tennis championships since his retirement from full-time competition.

“John is a tennis icon on and off the court and arguably one of the greatest players of all time,’ said Shriver. “Our field has never been stronger with four current and former world No. 1 players, and two young stars headed for greatness.”

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 Orioles Jeremy Guthrie, Brad Bergesen mixing it up with the tennis pros in the Orioles Challenge celebrity doubles match coached by your favorite Ravens.

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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