Our Annual AO Luncheon celebrated 50 years of Davis Cup Captains and their important role.
The event was a resounding success, with more than 380 members and guests enjoying a wonderful lunch in the fabulous surrounds of the MCG Members Dining Room.
Neale Fraser, John Newcombe, John Fitzgerald, Pat Rafter, Wally Masur and Lleyton Hewitt were interviewed by Foundation President Todd Woodbridge.
They regaled us with stories from past ties such as how Neale Fraser conned Pat Cash into thinking his opponent was tiring in the vital rubber against Sweden to when John Newcombe wouldn’t let the Woodies sit down or take a drink at change of ends until they began playing like the Wimbledon Champions they were.
It was great stuff and we all wished that it could go on a bit longer!
As well as the Davis Cup Captains many other past-players also attended – including Pat Cash, Ken Rosewall, Rod Laver, Frank Sedgman, Tony Roche, Mark Woodforde, Richard Fromberg and Geoff Masters.
Also well represented was a table of overseas dignitaries from the ITF, Grand Slam countries and the All England Club along with their hosts Jayne Hrdlicka and Craig Tiley from Tennis Australia.
The silent auction and raffle raised around $12,000 for the Foundation, with a number of unique collector’s items being hotly contested.
We thank the generosity of our donors including: Ian and Dale Johnson, Gray-Nicolls sport, Roger Federer, Treasury Wine Estates, Frank Sedgman, Anna White, Pullman Melbourne on the Park and Telstra.
The event was again co-ordinated by Robert Parker utilising the support of Anna White, Sylvia Biggar, Jean Thomas, Donna Low and Judy Pullyblank, as well as Mark Hassed who took photos on the day.
A selection of photos is below, or you can browse all of the photos on Marks website HERE
Many thanks to all who attended.
We hope you enjoyed the day – and we look forward to seeing you all at next years event.
