Results partners with tennis legend Andre Agassi to fight breast cancer

It took the persuasive powers of Results Advertising…and a cause as worthy as the fight against breast cancer…to lure tennis superstar Andre Agassi out of retirement and back onto the court

Once again, Results is handling all advertising and promotions for The Kennedy Funding Invitational, a major tennis tournament to fight breast cancer. In addition to world-class competition, a celebrity exhibition match has become a highlight of the annual five-day event, now in its fourth year. Past participants have included tennis greats Pete Sampras and John McEnroe. This year, organizers are thrilled to have the legendary Andre Agassi join the cause, playing an exhibition match against local retired pro Justin Gimelstob and appearing at various events throughout the tournament.

Known for his aggressive play and flamboyant style, Agassi was a fan favorite throughout his 20-year career, winning an Olympic Gold Medal and a total of 68 titles. He is one of only five male players to have won all four Grand Slam singles titles. Formerly ranked Number 1 in the world, he is retired from competition and is active in charity and philanthropic causes.

Marketing and promoting the tournament requires thousands of man-hours and begins months ahead of the actual tournament, with meetings and planning sessions. The team at Results creates a marketing blitz that includes an integrated campaign of print and broadcast materials and a full public relations program. These efforts help to secure sponsors for the event—corporations and families who contribute between $5,000 and $150,000 to the cause.

“The amount of work that goes into the Invitational is staggering,” says David Green, President of Results Advertising, and a member of The Kennedy Funding Invitational Board of Directors. In just its first three years, the tournament has raised more than $2 million in the fight against breast cancer. “The response over the past two years has been tremendous. Everyone involved gives it their all and the growth has been exponential,” adds Green. “When you see the difference it’s making, the effort involved becomes well worth it.”

Green became involved in the tournament’s first year through client Kennedy Funding, one of the nation’s leading direct private lenders. Kennedy Co-CEO Kevin Wolfer had organized the event in honor of his dear friend Leslie Simon, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2006. Working with Leslie’s husband, Dr. Cliff Simon and a group of friends and business associates, they organized what would quickly become one of the area’s premier tennis events. More importantly, they’ve raised awareness and precious funding to improve the levels of detection and treatment of breast cancer at two area hospitals—The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center at Englewood Hospital and the Breast Center at Nyack Hospital.

“Quite simply, The Kennedy Funding Invitational wouldn’t be possible without the help our sponsors. And David Green and Results Advertising are among the most dedicated,” says Kevin Wolfer. “They’ve handled our [Kennedy Funding’s] advertising for years and I know they put the very same level of effort and attention to detail into the pro bono work they do for the Invitational.”

This year, The Kennedy Funding Invitational will take place July 8-12 at Dellwood Country Club in New City, NY. An action-packed lineup, featuring many global competitors ranked in the ATP Top 100 is set and expected to draw large crowds. There is no charge for attending the matches during the first four days of the tournament. The celebrity match and Saturday night party require tickets and are expected to sell out. A limited number of tickets are available to the public. For schedules, directions or further information on the tournament or to purchase tickets, please call 1-800-342-8500 or visit www.kenedyfundinginvitational.com.