CHARLESTON, SC (January 22, 2007) – For over three decades, the Family Circle Cup has focused on championing the efforts of women professional tennis players by providing them with a platform to showcase their talent.  In 2007, the Family Circle Cup will continue to demonstrate that same devotion and commitment by renewing our support of a local organization dedicated to helping and inspiring women at every stage of their lives.  Since 2001, the Family Circle Cup Community Outreach Program has helped numerous charities and organizations throughout the Charleston area create awareness and raise money.  The Family Circle Cup has again selected the Center for Women as their official charity beneficiary for the April 7^th – 15^th, 2007 event on Daniel Island.  During the tournament, the Center for Women will have a presence on-site and hold specific promotions and/or events to help raise funds for the important services they provide for women in the tri-county area. 

“The Center For Women provides vital resources to women in this community through their commitment to helping women succeed on all levels,” said Robin Reynolds, Tournament Director, Family Circle Cup. “We’re proud to be able to assist this important group as they continue to make such a positive impact in the lives of women.” 

The Center for Women is the only women's development center in South Carolina, and its mission is to help women succeed every day, both personally and professionally. Since it was established in 1990, the Center has reached over 50,000 women in the Lowcountry through educational programs, development seminars, counseling, referrals and support groups. In 2005, Center For Women won the Award for Excellence in Non-Profit Management given by the South Carolina Association of Non-Profit Organizations.  In 2006 Oprah Winfrey recognized the organization with a $25,000 grant from Oprah’s Angel Network.  For more information on the Center For Women, please visit their website at www.c4women.org. 

“The Family Circle Cup Tournament showcases the talent of a wide variety of professional women tennis players, and exemplifies the importance and contributions of women in the professional sports world,” commented Jennet Robinson Alterman, Executive Director, Center for Women. “Our association with this premier event is most appropriate in both encouraging and supporting women to strive for success.” 

The 2007 Family Circle Cup will be held April 7^th – 15^th at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, South Carolina. The Family Circle Tennis Center is a public facility owned by the City of Charleston and operated by Family Circle Magazine that hosts a variety of events including concerts, festivals, tennis events and other special activities throughout the year.  With over 21 million readers, Family Circle is one of the most widely read monthly magazines in America and is one of 14 leading subscription magazines owned by Meredith Corporation. The Tennis Center features a 10,200 seat stadium, a Grand Lawn, 17 tennis courts, all lighted for night play, a racquet club featuring a full service pro shop and locker room facilities and a full service event management staff capable of handling all aspects of an event including ticketing, operations, sales, advertising, marketing, public relations, and food & beverage.  Family Circle Cup tickets for the 2007 event are available now via phone or online.  There a variety of ticket packages available to suit anyone’s budget.   For tickets or more information on the Family Circle Cup or Tennis Center please call (843) 856-7900 or visit us online at www.familycirclecup.com.