Competitions featuring tennis top seeds will begin on July 9 and culminate on July 13 when John McEnroe, former World No. 1 player, makes his invitational debut in the Cole Schotz Celebrity Match, playing Justin Gimelstob. The law firm Cole, Schotz, Meisel, Forman & Leonard, P.A. will be the match sponsor.

Co-directors James Miller, Mitch Klein and Kevin Wolfer have put together one of the finest U.S. competitions, bringing out competitors from around the world who are ranked in the ATP top 100 – including, in addition to Gimelstob, last year’s invitational winner Michael Russell, Sam Querrey and several repeat players.

The tournament also features a special appearance by tennis great Aaron Krickstein in a celebrity doubles match, as well as its second annual women’s tournament, featuring Shahar Peer, Ashley Harkleroad, and Laura Granville.

This year marks the third invitational, and sponsorship turnout has been excellent, according to Kevin Wolfer, Kennedy Funding Inc. Co-CEO and an event founder. Last year’s donations topped $625,000, and Englewood Hospital received $450,000. Organizers hope to raise more than $1 million in 2008, he said.

The Beer Family is sponsoring the first round of the Men’s Tournament, and The Kaplen Foundation is underwriting the Women’s Title.

"We are truly astounded and gratified by the response to our call for sponsors," said Wolfer, who noted that in the months preceding the event more than 90 professionals, individuals, medical entities, corporations, and small businesses committed funds ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 to the battle against the disease.

Admission to all matches except the Celebrity Match is free to the public. Admission to the July 13 John McEnroe Celebrity match requires tickets.