Grand Slam

Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert will continue to raise awareness of drug abuse and child neglect when she hosts her 29th annual Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic Nov. 9-11.

The classic is one of the longest-running charity events held in South Florida by a former professional athlete. Her efforts began in 1989, following her retirement from professional tennis, and have raised more than $24 million, including $800,000 in 2017. The money raised is distributed through the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida and the Drug Abuse Foundation of Palm Beach County.

This year will feature two celebrities making their debut: actor Chris Noth ("Sex and the City") and actress January Jones ("Mad Men"). Returning celebrities include Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Seal, stylist Carson Kressley ("Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"), comedian Jon Lovitz ("Saturday Night Live"), musician David Cook ("American Idol"), actor Shawn Hatosy ("Animal Kingdom"), actor Tate Donovan ("The Man in The High Castle") and actor Jamie McShane ("Bloodline").

Tennis pros confirmed to play alongside Evert include former No. 1 World Tennis Pro in both singles and doubles, John McEnroe; Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova; Patrick McEnroe; Rennae Stubbs; Luke Jensen; and Jesse Levine.

The event pairs celebrities and tennis pros for two days of tennis at the Delray Beach Tennis Center. Saturday night features the star-studded gala at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, which includes dinner, dancing, auctions and entertainment by Blood, Sweat & Tears.

The Boca Raton Observer is the event's exclusive magazine sponsor. O

For more information, call 561-394-2400 or visit chrisevert.org.