
In a fun and out-of-the-box initiative, Doner CEO David DeMuth and his son Alex, Associate Strategy Director at Doner, have partnered to launch the latest iteration of the Cranbrook Tennis Classic, an annual ATP Challenger Tour event held in Bloomfield Hills, MI.
This year’s week-long Classic will take place from June 30 through July 7, featuring pro men’s tennis veterans competing against future stars for coveted ranking points and a wildcard to the US Open. Run by the non-profit 501(c)(3) Tennis Forward, founded by DeMuth, all proceeds benefit the Palmer Park Tennis Academy in Detroit and Cranbrook Athletics. Last year, the event generated $25,000 for these organizations.
Leonora (Coach Lee) King, Tennis Director at Detroit’s Palmer Park Tennis Academy shared, “The Palmer Park Tennis Academy is so grateful for the financial support provided by the Cranbrook Tennis Classic for our programs. The opportunity for our kids and families to experience world-class tennis up close was truly inspiring. We can’t wait to go back this year.”
The 2024 sponsors include J.P. Morgan Chase, Burns & Wilcox, Core Power, the Feldman Automotive Group, Ven Johnson Law, and many others. As a new stop for the ATP Challenger Tour and USTA Pro Circuit, the event attracts 3,000 fans to the court and over 215,000 livestream viewers.
David DeMuth noted, “Last year, this event had a major impact on fundraising for the Palmer Park Tennis Academy in Detroit and Cranbrook Athletics. We were able to provide opportunities for local kids to get involved with pro tennis and donated $25,000 towards those causes. This year, we’re looking forward to bringing back an even bigger, better version of the event, with involvement from Celebrity Match, Kid’s Clinic, and VIP Clinic.”
With over 60 players from 16 countries, the tournament has been voted the #2 ATP Challenger tournament by the players. Doner created the teaser video for the event. Watch below:
REELated:
DeMuth, also noted, “The Cranbrook Tennis Classic not only showcases incredible tennis talent but also supports a great cause. It’s a true testament to the power of sports to bring communities together. As a proud partner of Tennis Forward, the team behind the Cranbrook Tennis Classic is committed to supporting initiatives that promote sportsmanship, skill development, and community engagement through tennis.”
Revitalizing Tennis and Community Engagement
This initiative by David DeMuth and his son Alex showcases the power of sports to drive community engagement and support local programs. By combining their professional expertise and personal passion, the DeMuths are not only promoting the sport of tennis but also making a lasting impact on their community.
The Cranbrook Tennis Classic exemplifies how creative partnerships and innovative thinking can lead to meaningful contributions and memorable experiences for all involved.
Aimeclaire Roche, President of Cranbrook Educational Community, said, “We are excited to welcome the international tennis community back to our beautiful Cranbrook campus for year two of the Cranbrook Tennis Classic. Thank you to the Tennis Forward team for raising funds for our athletics program and enticing visitors to experience world-class sports, art and science exhibits, and the natural beauty of our historic community.”
This article was brought to you free. The independent team who brought it to you is not. Please support Reel 360 News and Reel Chicago by donating here.