CHARLESTON, SC (December 16, 2008) – Throughout its storied history, 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.  Over the past 36 years, the Family Circle Cup has demonstrated that same devotion and commitment to helping and inspiring women at every stage of their lives.  Since 2001, the Family Circle Cup Community Outreach Program has helped numerous charitable organizations throughout the Charleston area create awareness and raise money.  In 2006, the Family Circle Cup chose the Center for Women as its charity of choice, and for the fourth consecutive year, this important organization has once again been selected as the tournament’s official charity.  During the tournament, the Center for Women will have a presence on-site and hold specific promotions and events to help raise funds for the important services they provide for women in the Charleston tri-county area.  The 2009 Family Circle Cup, America’s largest women-only professional tennis event, is scheduled April 11 - 19^th at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, SC. 

“The Family Circle Cup is very proud of its long-standing relationship with the Center for Women, a non-profit organization whose dedication to the empowerment of women so closely mirrors our own.  We applaud their efforts toward women’s professional development, specifically in the areas of pay equity and workplace equality,” commented Bob Moran, Family Circle Cup General Manager.  “The tournament’s goal is not only to help this worthy organization raise revenue, but also to increase awareness of their important programs and services throughout the Lowcountry.” 

The Center for Women is the only comprehensive women’s resource and development center in South Carolina, and its mission is to help women succeed every day, both personally and professionally.  Established in 1990, the Center has reached over 70,000 women in the Lowcountry through educational programs, development seminars, counseling, referrals and support groups.  Oprah Winfrey recognized the organization in 2006 with a $25,000 grant from Oprah’s Angel Network.  For more info on the Center for Women, visit their official web site at www.c4women.org. 

“The Center for Women is very honored and appreciates being selected as the Family Circle Cup’s Charity of Choice for yet another year,” commented Jennet Robinson Alterman, Executive Director, Center for Women.  “Our association with the Family Circle Cup has significantly increased awareness of the Center for Women and our efforts to help women succeed. We offer a variety of programs to help women address important issues such as pay equity and other workplace issues that directly affect women throughout the Charleston tri-county area.” 

The Family Circle Cup will be held April 11-19, 2009 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 Meredith Corporation that also hosts a variety of additional events including the AVP Charleston Open pro beach volleyball tournament, concerts, festivals, tennis tournaments and other 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, Grand Lawn, 17 tennis courts lighted for night play, beach volleyball court, racquet club featuring a full service Pro Shop, and a full service event management staff capable of handling all aspects of an event including ticketing, operations, sales, marketing, public relations, and food & beverage.  Ticket packages, business hospitality options, and sponsorship opportunities are now available. For tickets or more information on the Family Circle Cup or Tennis Center, call (843) 856-7900 or visit www.familycirclecup.com.