The 16th Annual Investors vs. Operators Charity Tennis Tournament, hosted by Boston Search Group (BSG), proved to be another triumphant gathering of the private equity community. Held on September 25, 2024, at the picturesque grass courts in Chestnut Hill, MA, the event seamlessly blended spirited competition with meaningful philanthropy.
Event Highlights
Perfect Weather and Fierce Competition
As Clark Waterfall, Managing Director of BSG noted, the event once again "threaded the needle" with ideal weather conditions. Over 30 players and participants, representing a diverse array of innovation industry companies, came together for a day of tennis and networking.
Championing a Noble Cause
The tournament's beneficiary, Tenacity, continues to make a significant impact on inner-city youth. For 25 years, this non-profit organization has been using tennis as a catalyst to attract, train, teach, and motivate at-risk urban youth throughout their K-12 academic journey and into college.
Honoring Tenacity's Founder and Impact
We were privileged to have Ned Eames, the visionary founder of Tenacity, join us throughout the event. Ned's presence underscored the tournament's significance and its impact on the organization he built from the ground up. As a former professional tennis player with an MBA from Boston University, Ned has successfully merged his passion for tennis with his commitment to education and youth development. His inspiring journey and dedication to using tennis as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of Boston's urban youth have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the USTA New England Hall of Fame.
The ongoing success of this annual tournament is a testament to the enduring impact of Ned's vision. Over the years, this event has raised well over $100,000 for Tenacity's programs, with this year's tournament contributing more than $10,000 to this worthwhile cause. These funds directly support Tenacity's mission to help Boston's youth develop the skills they need for academic, social, and professional success. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ned Eames, all our players, and sponsors for their generous support in making this event a success year after year, demonstrating how the private equity community can come together to make a real difference in the lives of Boston's urban youth.
Tournament Champions
Congratulations to Eric Sillman and Matt Sly, who emerged victorious in this year's competition. Their skill and sportsmanship exemplified the spirit of the event.
Community Support
The success of the event was bolstered by generous support from key sponsors:
- Joe Volman of law firm Blank Rome (www.blankrome.com)
- Scott Levy of accounting & advisory firm DLA (www.dlallc.com)
- Scott Chamberlin of innovation-industry-focused Customers Bank (www.customersbank.com)
Their contributions played a crucial role in making the event possible and maximizing its impact on Tenacity's mission.
More Than Just Tennis
While the tournament was the centerpiece, the event offered something for everyone. Non-players enjoyed socializing on the veranda, sipping craft cocktails, and networking with leaders from the private equity, venture capital, and investor-backed company sectors.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on another successful year, we're reminded of the power of community and shared purpose. The Annual Investors vs. Operators Charity Tennis Tournament continues to be a testament to BSG's commitment to fostering connections within the PE community while supporting vital causes.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all players, supporters, and underwriters who made this year's event truly special. Your participation and generosity continue to make a real difference in the lives of Boston's urban youth through Tenacity's impactful programs.
Stay tuned for information about next year's tournament. We look forward to seeing you on the courts again for another day of tennis, networking, and giving back to our community.