USPTA professionals raise nearly $5 million for charity.

Within the last year, United States Professional Tennis Association teaching professionals raised $4.9 million for charity through the association's Lessons for Life program.

"Our goal was $4 million, so our members really worked the charity circuit hard this year," said Paula Scheb, Lessons for Life chairwoman and director of tennis and fitness at Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs, FL.

A variety of charities benefit each year from the USPTA's Lessons for Life program, including the American Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Scripps Stevens Cancer Center, and many other national and local charities.

"Our members have really stepped up and made raising money and giving back to the community a priority," said Scheb. "Many thanks to everyone who contributed."

Lessons for Life became USPTA's national charitable program in 1999. Through this program, the USPTA encourages its members to use tennis as a vehicle to help others through fundraisers and other activities in their communities. Many of the fundraisers take place at country clubs and commercial clubs, where the majority of USPTA Professionals direct tennis operations and programming. Fundraisers take the form of tournaments, pro-ams, auctions, black-tie dinners, and clinics.

Lessons for Life is officially celebrated in October, but events may be hosted any time during the year. People who are interested in participating in a Lessons for Life event should contact a USPTA professional in their area. USPTA's Find-A-Pro service is available at www.usptafindapro.com or by calling 800-USPTA-4U for help locating a USPTA professional.