The Westchester Children’s Museum (WCM) announced that tennis champion James Blake will be this year’s featured celebrity pro at the Annual Tennis Outing. The event will be held at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale on Monday, September 19, 2011. Each tennis outing participant will have the opportunity to rally with Mr. Blake, as well as attend a buffet breakfast and lunch with this tennis legend where he will sign autographs and participate in a Q&A session.

In addition to the tennis outing, the Westchester Children’s Museum will simultaneously host its Fifth Annual Golf Classic at Quaker Ridge Golf Club. This is an opportunity to tee it up on the par-70, 6,772-yard A. W. Tillinghast design – often called “Tillie’s Treasure”. Ranked 40th in the United States by this month’s issue of Golf Magazine, Quaker Ridge is frequently mentioned when accomplished golfers are asked to name the best course in the Metropolitan New York area. As in years past, the event will feature tournament competition, on-course contests, as well as a brunch to kick off the outing. Cocktails and dinner with an auction and raffle will wrap up the eventful day. The Charity Tennis and Golf events will both raise funds for the completion of the Westchester Children’s Museum exhibit designs and construction.

The event’s featured pro, James Blake, is a crowd favorite that has played many historic matches at the US Open. James achieved a career high ATP ranking of number four and has won ten tournament titles. James has also been a regular member of the United States Davis Cup team. In 2007, James won the decisive match for the United States to win the Davis Cup World Group championship. James is also the author of memoir called Breaking Back, which is a New York Times Bestseller. James was born in Yonkers and grew up in Fairfield, CT. He attended Harvard University.

“We are so excited to have James Blake’s support at our annual charity tennis outing,” said Andrea Tucker of Scarsdale, Co-Chair of the event. “With the backing of a renowned world champion, we are more excited than ever to continue our efforts to raise funds for the Westchester Children’s Museum.” Now that the Museum’s lease of the Rye Playland North Bathhouse has been unanimously approved construction and renovations are moving forward.

Tucker, a Heathcote mother of three, offered the following comments on how she became involved with the Museum. “I became interested in helping to bring a children's museum to Westchester after visiting the Long Island Children’s Museum. My kids always enjoyed themselves when visiting and I was disappointed to learn that our community did not have a similar destination for our youth. I found that other local families were committed to developing such a place and then heard about Westchester Children’s Museum. While inquiring about volunteering, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Corinne Zola, a fellow member of Quaker Ridge Golf Club, is President of the museum. “

Tucker continues, “After becoming involved with Westchester Children’s Museum, I assisted in the planning for its annual Quaker Ridge golf outing. Corinne and I strategized how best to engage the community and felt that bringing professional tennis players on board each year would be an added incentive for our supporters. Last year, our inaugural tennis event sold out; it was headlined by Jim Courier. Tennis Champion James Blake will be joining us this year. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be able to interact on and off court with a top U.S. tennis player while supporting a worthwhile community cause. “

“I must also recognize the many Scarsdale residents who have volunteered their time and effort to make this event a success, from members of the tennis committee to the Board of Directors and donors. Without all the wonderful volunteers who believe in the mission of the Westchester Children’s Museum, none of this would be possible. So a special thank you goes out to my fellow village residents for once again rallying behind a great cause – no pun intended!”

For more information, corporate sponsorship opportunities, golf participation or to purchase tickets to either the tennis or golf event, visit: www.discoverWCM.org/events

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In addition, The Scarsdale Fire Department wants you to putt for pink. On Monday October 3, the Scarsdale Fire Department is holding a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and the UFFA Local 1394 at Fenway Country Club. The scramble golf format begins at 11am that morning, the locker room opens at 9am. For $225 player fee includes greens fee, cart, complimentary t-shirt and gift bag, continental breakfast, lunch and dinner and a reception with an open bar at Saxon Grill. Caddy fee is additional.

Enjoy one of the state’s premier golf courses while helping our town’s bravest and the battle against cancer. Sponsorship advertising opportunities are available. For tickets and more information about the event contact Patrick Gorham at 914-740-5516 or [email protected].