How Board Vice President Tim Ross Turned a Detroit Tennis Tradition into a $3K Win for MTEF
While we’ve been busy blacking out our cards this month for our May Match Point Bingo fundraiser here at the USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation, our incredible Board Vice President, Tim Ross, took it upon himself to double down on the impact.
Tim recently brought back the legendary 20th Motor City Tennis Classic after a four-year hiatus, hosting it at the Franklin Athletic Club. It was a massive weekend of epic rallies, non-stop laughs, and pure community spirit. But more importantly, thanks to Tim’s leadership and his amazing Detroit team, the tournament raised just over $3,000 directly for us here at MTEF!
We are so lucky to have leaders like Tim who don’t just serve on our board, but actively champion our mission out on the courts.
A Packed House and Long-Distance Legends
Tim and his crew put together an event that people will literally hop on planes for. Former Detroiter Tom Miller traveled all the way from Orlando just to spend the weekend on court, and Ann Dhepin Sombun made the trek up from Indy to compete and join the Detroit organizing team.
With so many familiar faces returning to the court alongside eager newcomers, the vibe was less like a rigid competition and more like a giant celebration of the sport.
“Over 20 years ago when we first organized this, we knew that traveling for a 3-day weekend was expensive,” Tim shared. “We just wanted to provide an inclusive, fun experience. Showing our Motor City Hospitality has and will always be our mission!”
Celebrating Premier Motor City Hospitality
A tournament of this scale thrives on community support, and the hospitality this year was truly next-level. Tim extended a massive thank you to the fantastic lineup of local businesses, partners, and friends who stepped up to keep the players fueled and energized all weekend long:
- The Event Hosts & Feasts: Ken and Zack for hosting the vibrant Towne Square party, Robert Phelps for providing a spectacular Mediterranean lunch, and Rosati’s Chicago pizza for a classic tournament crowd-pleaser.
- The Treats: Delightful spreads from Culinary Combo Bakery and non-stop premium treats from Quix Chocolates.
- The Vital Backing: Special appreciation goes out to Dan Merritthew, Dan Fox, and Mark Buckingham for their invaluable help and support. The event was also proudly supported by USTA National, Southeastern Michigan USTA (SEMTA), Dreams Canna, and long-time tournament partner The Tennis and Golf Company (be sure to visit them online!).
- Our Home Court: A huge shout-out to the team at the Franklin Athletic Club the facility is top-notch, and the ownership and management are truly the nicest people. Thank you for hosting this event!
Looking Ahead to 2027
Tim, Ann, Tom, Zack, Mike, and the rest of the Detroit crew are already plotting their next move. To make travel a total breeze for everyone next time, they’ve already promised that the 2027 schedule will be strategically placed so it doesn’t conflict with neighboring tournaments in Toronto, Indy, or Columbus.
A massive thank you to Tim for his incredible dedication to MTEF, and to everyone who played, volunteered, and donated. You are all helping us change lives through tennis and education!
Inspired by Tim and the Motor City Tennis Classic crew? Our May Match Point Bingo may be over, but you can keep this incredible fundraising momentum going, and help us continue supporting youth tennis and education across the Midwest!
