Mercer’s National Junior Tennis To Host 50th Anniversary Gala With Tennis Champ Kim Clijsters

EAST WINDSOR, NJ — The National Junior Tennis and Learning, in Trenton Mercer County, will celebrate five decades of community impact with its annual gala on Sunday, September 21. The gala will feature tennis legend Kim Clijsters and honor longtime supporters of youth development in the greater Trenton area.

The 50th anniversary celebration will take place at the Mercer County Indoor Tennis Center and The Boathouse at Mercer Lake in West Windsor. The event highlights include a tennis exhibition with four-time Grand Slam Champion Clijsters, who will play alongside NJTL student-athletes and alumni.

Attendees can participate in a VIP meet-and-greet with Clijsters, live auction, buffet dinner, open bar, and awards ceremony. Long-standing supporters Albert Stark and Ginny Mason will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs, with Julia Benedict as Event Chairperson.

This year's honorees are Deborah Sands Gartenberg and The George H. & Estelle M. Sands Foundation. Founded in 1996 by George and Estelle Sands, the foundation has been a dedicated supporter of arts, healthcare, and education in the Princeton area. The foundation now supports over 25 local organizations focused on educational success, youth development, and wellness, with particular emphasis on equity and opportunity for children in under-resourced communities.

Gartenberg has been a steadfast NJTL of Trenton champion since 2016, providing critical support through funding, volunteerism, and personal engagement to help Trenton youth succeed both on the tennis court and in academics.

All proceeds from the anniversary celebration will benefit NJTL of Trenton's youth programs, including Summer Camp and Academic Creative Engagement (ACE), Ashe Elite Indoor Tennis Training, Minecraft Education for students and teachers, community outreach initiatives, and tennis equipment and learning tools.

The National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network combines tennis instruction with educational programming and life skills development, serving youth in underserved communities nationwide. NJTL of Trenton has been providing these transformative opportunities to local youth for five decades.

Here is the schedule of events:

Mercer County Indoor Tennis Center

• 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | VIP Meet & Greet with Kim Clijsters
• 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Tennis Exhibition featuring Kim Clijsters and NJTLT student-athletes

The Boathouse at Mercer Lake

• 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Dinner, Open Bar, Live Music, and Honoree Presentations

For tickets and more information, visit: www.njtloftrenton.org/2025-njtlt-gala