Giving to Children’s Breaks $7 Million Mark

CINCINNATI — For the 34th straight year, proceeds from the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters & Women’s Open were donated to charity, pushing tournament giving to local charities since 1974 to more than $7.7 million.

Using proceeds from the 2007 tournaments, Paul M. Flory, the chairman of the tournaments since 1975, presented Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center with a record donation of $391,978, meaning Children’s has now received more than $7 million from the tournaments since 1974.

Flory also presented the Charles M. Barrett Cancer Center with a donation of $57,481 from proceeds of the 2007 W&SFG Women’s Open, and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission with $37,000 from proceeds of the 2007 Seniors tournament.

Together, the three charities received a record $486,459, bringing the tournament’s total giving since 1974 to $7,762,037.

The CRC donation will benefit the Cincinnati chapter of the National Junior Tennis League, a program established to teach tennis to youngsters who normally could not afford to learn. The gift brings the total amount donated to the CRC in 17 years to more than half a million dollars ($509,633).

“In addition to shining an international spotlight on Southwestern Ohio, the tournament provides valuable support to three very worthwhile charities,” said Flory. “Our sponsors, fans, volunteers and staff are what make this possible.”

Gifts from the tournament to Cincinnati Children’s began in 1974 when a check for $15,000 was presented. Since 1987, funds have benefited the “Long-Term Survivor Clinic,” which helps patients with the physical, emotional, and psychological elements associated with pediatric cancer by providing comprehensive follow-up care for cancer patients. Its team includes a pediatric oncologist, adult hematologist, psychologist and a nurse practitioner who track more than 700 survivors.

“The clinic is for cancer patients who have been in remission at least five years,” Flory said. “Patients with no recurrence of their cancer in five years generally are regarded to be cured.”

About the 2008 Tournaments

The 2008 W&SFG MASTERS will be held July 25-August 3, while the W&SFG WOMEN’S OPEN will be August 9-17. The Seniors tournament will be held in the evenings July 25-26. The nine ATP Masters Series events and the four Grand Slams form the 13 “major” events in men’s tennis. The W&SFG WOMEN’S OPEN is a Tier III event on the international Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, and the only WTA event in the Midwest. For tickets or information visit www.cincytennis.com or call 513-651-0303. Single-session tickets also are available through TicketMaster (513-562-4949; ticketmaster.com).

About Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is a leading medical research and teaching hospital consistently ranked among the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the nation. Also it is the third-highest ranking recipient of research grants from the National Institute of Health among pediatric institutions. For more information, go to www.cincinnatichildrens.org.

About the Charles M. Barrett Cancer Center

The Charles M. Barrett Cancer Center has a long-standing reputation for providing the most advanced and complete range of cancer services available in the region. It is a unique facility offering screening, diagnosis and treatment for all types of cancer at one central, convenient location. It has been ranked among the best in the US News and World Report guide to "America's Best Hospitals”. It is located at University Hospital and is the cornerstone of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. For more information, go to www.health-alliance.com/cancer/hospital/university.html.

About Tennis for City Youth

The Seniors tournament is played for the benefit of “Tennis for City Youth,” a program which funds lessons, clinics, and leagues and provides equipment for area youngsters who normally could not afford to learn to play tennis. To this end, donations are made to the Cincinnati Recreation Commission to further the cause of Cincinnati's National Junior Tennis League chapter. These donations are part of a joint program by the United States Tennis Association and the ATP tour to promote grassroots tennis.