WTT Smash Hit Photo Highlights and Rainbow History Project 10th Anniversary

WTT SMASH HITS: TENNIS THAT SERVES A CAUSE

World Team Tennis Smash Hits captained by Billie Jean King and Elton John was a smash hit! Held on the campus of American University, the evening was filled with entertainment and first class tennis and all for a wonderful cause!  This year (now in it's 18th) raised more than $500,000 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Washington AIDS Partnership.Team Billie Jean defeated Team Elton 19-15 to tie their overall series at 9-9.  In its 18-year history, WTT Smash Hits has raised more than $10 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and local charities throughout the U.S. 

EJAF's national and international efforts have helped to eradicate the AIDS virus, fund direct patient care and offer prevention education to men, women and children. See photo highlights below of the event:

Photos courtesy of Patsy Lynch Photography 

Good friends and  team captains Billie Jean King and Elton John

Anna Kournikova with young fans on the court

Autographed piano bench signed by Elton John

Darling tennis couple Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf

Russia's hottest  export Anna Kournikova (check out her rock!)

Kournikova is all smiles here

Sir Elton John putting his best foot forward hitting a forehand

Fans fulfilled their responsibilities before the tournament, too, at the charity auction. Auction attendees bid on 10 items including King's Wimbledon tickets and John's autographed piano benches. The most expensive item — tennis lessons with Graf and Agassi — went for $50,000. The French Open Package sold for $25,000 dollars which included tickets to the first two days of the 2011 French Open, four nights accommodation in Paris, and a meet and greet with Tennis Channel on-air personalities and a visit to the Roland Garros set. 

Billie Jean King, Elton John and Martina Navratilova have done so much for the Lesbian and Gay Community. During the press conference Martina was asked about the effects of bullying and spoke about the issues she faced when coming out. 

Original Herb Ritts Photograph of Madonna

And FYI, yesterday was the 10th Anniversary of the Rainbow History Project. 

On Tuesday, the Rainbow History Project hosted its 10th anniversary celebration for the organization, at the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives. The celebration included the display of several items from the RHP archives, including GLBT T-shirts from the Cheryl Spector collection and items donated by Deacon Maccubbin, along with food and fellowship. 

"That's it from DC ON HEELS bringing you the best in food fashion and fun in the metro area."

Stay connected! 

Vanessa xoxxoxo

    

Annual Smash Hits tennis tourney and a massage that will change your life!

About the event:

Tennis legend Billie Jean King and music superstar Sir Elton John are teaming up for their annual charity event -- the 18th annual WTT Smash Hits presented today at the Bender Arena at American University in Washington, D.C. King and John will each serve as captains. As if their presence wasn't enough-- tennis champs Andre Agassi and his tennis darling wife Stefanie Graf, Anna Kournikova, Martina Navratilova, Eric Butorac, Jan-Michael Gambil, Mark Phillippoussis, Rennae Stubbs, and more will be playing in the World TeamTennis format. Last year the event raised $640,000 for the Elton John AIDA Foundation and AIDS charities serving the Greater Baton Rouge area. Smash hits has raised more than $9 million since 1993.

I've been a tennis player all my life, picking up a racket and competing in my first tournament "The Little Mo" (named after Maureen Connoly Brinker) when I was just 8-years-old. I competed in USTA tennis tournaments all around the country, even winning a State Championship in doubles with my twin sister, and ultimately playing for a Division I college on a full scholarship. I worked diligently, sacrificed, and trained extremely hard to achieve my goals. Tennis has taught me life lessons that I will never forget. I love tennis and owe so much to this gentleman's sport-- although love means nothing to a tennis player ;) 


I cannot believe that some of my idols growing up like Andre Agassi and Martina Navratilova will be here in Washington,  tonight at American University! I met Navratolova once at a tennis tournament in Texas (I was the ball girl), and she was so nice. She even offered for my sister and I to run around the indoor track with her for her warm up workout. So there we were, two 11- year-old girls running around a track with one of the most prolific and legendary players of all time.

And then there's Agassi.

The bulldog. His speed, intensity, determination, and undeniable raw talent made him my favorite male player of all time. I especially rooted for him when he went up against boring and bland Pete Sampras (although unfortunately Pete got the W more times then Agassi in their matches.) I read Agassi's book "Open" front to back in two days. And became an even bigger fan. He opened up (no pun intended) completely in this autobiography, holding nothing back and chronicling his life journeys. If you haven't already read it, and are a curious tennis fan, then I highly suggest this read. You can read my previous blog post about Agassi and his autobiographical book here. 

FASHION, BEAUTY AND HEALTH: 

OK so if you are looking to relieve your sore muscles, maybe after a long  day of playing tennis, or just from being crunched up at your desk all day, then look no further. I give you what I call "Magic Healing"  Magic Healing is really called Meridian Health and Relaxation and you can find it on M street inside the Georgetown Mall. Come and explore the remarkable power of their services, it will change you! It's quick, easy and affordable. I love going to spas and getting a  good massage, but sometimes I just don't have the time to go through the whole process. That's why Meridian is so good. It's quick, easy and affordable. Meridian services specialize in acupressure and  foot reflexology. 

These two services are ancient Chinese healing methods with more than 4,000 years of history, and are now actively practiced around the world. They are a vital part of preventative care which provides relaxation and rejuvenation for all the aspects of a person as a whole : body, emotions, mind, and spirit.  

Read what other people think about this place. HERE

But see for yourself too! 

I definitely give this place a big thumbs up!

That's all from  DC ON HEELS "Giving you the local hookup to food, fashion and fun in the DC metro area."

   Besos xoxoxo Vanessa

And don't forget to watch us every Monday on TBDTV at 4:30 and 6:30 pm with Morris Jones! 

Legg Mason Tennis Classic and the hottest tennis shoes on the planet

LEGG MASON TENNIS CLASSIC

If you saw last weeks post then you noticed that Markette interviewed Washington Kastles owner Mark Ein at the celebrity-studded Kastle tennis matches. Washington, DC is a premiere destination for tennis lovers and players.

DC on HEELS loves tennis! Markette has a killer forehand,was the captain of her high school team and plays on a league here in DC. I have been playing the sport since I was 8- years -old! I played at USTA tennis tournaments for the state of Texas and held a Super Championship ranking playing matches all over the country. I played in high school for a Doubles State Championship with my twin sister ,and went on to play for a scholarship at a D1 university.

Every year I get so inspired by these amazing tennis events and tournaments going on. Yesterday I attended the qualifiers matches at the annual Legg Mason Tennis Classic. I saw some great matches being played and I always get so nostalgic when I see the names blazoned on banners of the great tennis legends I watched growing up--Arthur Ashe, Stefan Edberg, and my all time favorite Andre Agassi.

I just finished reading Open: An Autobiography by Andre Kirk Agassi. This was truly a beautiful haunting biography that led you into the life of a tennis legend. I highly recommend this read for any of you tennis lovers. And remember: "Love means nothing to a tennis player, right?" Haha thats one of my favorite tennis quotes. Anyhow, I was fascinated to learn about the life of my tennis icon and hero Agassi, from his painful childhood to the love hate relationship he had with tennis. So get inspired and get out there now while you can to all of these amazing tennis events! The Legg Mason Tennis Classic will be running through August 8th.

Me and '90s Agassi

Tennis fans entering the tents

Vanessa with the boys--Roddick, Del Potro, and Blake to name a few

Taking it all in =)

Players warming up

Center Court--Oh no the clouds were rolling in!

I beat the rain and was able to watch some great matches before they halted play. Can't wait to watch the finals!

So I usually have my "Heel of the week" segment where I showcase the hottest heel-- I mean we are DC on HEELS. But since I have been so inspired with all of this great tennis going on and you can't play tennis in any sort of a heel, I decided to showcase the best tennis shoe on the planet right now.

TENNIS SHOE PICK OF THE WEEK:

Here are my picks: For the boys: These are Rafael Nadal's shoe of choice, the Air Maz Courtballistec 2.3.

A new DragOnX upper breathes better, keeping feet cooler and dryer while offering good support and protection. Without sacrificing support and stability, the Courtbalistic 2.3. improves mobility with a light and flexible upper. A fast feeling shoe and an ideal choice for the serious player seeking the ultimate in performance and durability.

For the girls:

Serena Williams shoe of choice the Lunarlite Speed 2.

These shoes maintain the feather weight speed feel of the first model while loosening up the fit. The the toe box is more generous in this second generation Lunarlite Speed, the shoe maintains a glove-like feel so competitive players will feel connected to the court and their feet. The upper material is also softer and more forgiving for a comfortable ride.

Both of these shoes are available at The Tennis Warehouse along with a more in-depth review and pricing from their Website. Ok think I'm going to go hit the courts now.

Become a DC on HEELS sponsor! E-mail us for details at dconheels@gmail.com

Ok ciao for now!!!

Vanessa xoxoxoxxo