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WTEF’s ‘Share the Love’ Nets $650 K

By The Georgetowner • May 31, 2023 0 750

WTEF 2023 Annual Share the Love Gala hosts and News4 anchors, Jummy Olabanji and Jim Handly, with guest speaker, Citi Open Chairman and new minority owner of the Washington Commanders, Mark Ein. Photo by Bryan Dozier.

Tennis and love were in the air at the Waldorf-Astoria on Pennsylvania Avenue May 6 for the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation’s big event that benefits young Washingtonians.

Citi Open Chairman and new minority owner of the Washington Commanders, Mark Ein, lit up the 2023 WTEF Share the Love Gala stage as guest speaker and donor of two Citi Open Dream Seat live auction packages.

The WTEF Annual Share the Love Gala silent auction did not disappoint with a dynamic showcase of exciting auction items including everything from #1 on Oprah’s Mother’s Day List, the Lilley Line Bags to full-size VESL Paddleboards to a Share the Love Guitar signed by Eagles legend, Joe Walsh, artwork by local artist Courtney Kolker and more.

Co-hosted by NBC4 News Anchors, Jim Handly and Jummy Olabanji, the gala featured a cocktail reception and open bar, three-course gala wine dinner, a live musical performance by D.C.’s own The “Original” Moonlighters, and their signature “Bid It to Win It” silent auction fundraiser. Distinguished honorees of the gala included Congresswoman Joyce Beatty.

Thanks to its 350 guests, the Share the Love Gala raised $650,000.

The Share the Love Gala is WTEF’s annual fundraising event “which helps enable the continuance of their important work of Building Champions through tennis and education. WTEF provides a safe haven, engaging kids in productive activities that help improve school performance, build self-esteem, and encourage a healthy lifestyle with the mission of empowering students to achieve their highest potential by equipping them with values and skills that translate to life-long success.”