On Thursday, December 6th, TopSpin Charity held their 10th annual table tennis tournament and party at Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan.
The night’s events began with a phenomenal green carpet where celebrities and top athletes stepped out to show their support. New York Knicks legend John Wallace and actresses Britne Oldford (American Horror Story, The Flash, Blindspot) and Gia Crovatin (Billions) were among the featured guests.
A selection of food partners presented diverse cuisines from all around the globe. Harlem Seafoods Soul brought their delicious shrimp and grits, Mr. Bing featured vegetarian options, Paulista Avenue Bakery served up decadent coconut cake slices, and Brooklyn Floss showcased gourmet cotton candy. These and many other unique food options were available to delighted attendees. In showing their support, the Coca-Cola lounge presented signature soft drinks, while Maker’s Mark created a dynamic cocktail list for the evening. DJ Suga Ray kept the night alive with a host of great music and JBL added a fun photo experience with their brightly lit display.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 06: during the TopSpin New York Charity Event at Metropolitan Pavillion on December 06, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Attendees had the opportunity to help raise funds for TopSpin’s upcoming initiatives through a silent auction. The auction, in partnership with Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia, included many one-of-a-kind items, such as a commemorative Super Bowl III trophy signed by Joe Namath, and a Denver Broncos jersey signed by Peyton Manning, as well as a basketball signed by both Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
After delicious bites, tasteful drinks, and the auction, the tournament began. Excited guests gathered around one of two elevated stadium courts to watch a table tennis tournament for the books. A celebrity tournament featuring professional athletes and celebrities from New York City took place first, followed by the professional division highlighting eight players from USA Table Tennis. Winners of each division received a JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker. The event’s MC Ryan Wooard kept the tournament fun and pumped with a high energy the whole night long.
Founded in 2009, TopSpin Charity is a national philanthropic group that works tirelessly to empower the youth of America through education. With the help of over one thousand members, including athletes, sports executives, and those within the entertainment industry, TopSpin has been able to raise 3.5 million dollars in support of over 23 educational non-profits. They have also developed multiple program initiatives like TopSpin Hoops Academy and Harlem Lacrosse. All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to four charities working to increase educational opportunities for youth in underserved communities.
Sponsors of TopSpin include the following sports leagues media entities and premium brands: AEG, American Express, Anheuser-Busch, Athletes First, Atlanta Dream, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, CAA, Coca-Cola, Cupcake Vineyards, Endeavor, Getty Images, Harman International, Legends, Madison Square Garden, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, NBA Cares, NFL, NHL, New York Mets, Octagon, Ticketmaster, Turner Sports, and Wasserman.
To learn more about TopSpin and its impressive work to date, please visit topspincharity.org and follow on social media via their Facebook page facebook.com/TopSpinCharity, Twitter @TopSpinCharity twitter.com/TopSpinCharity, and Instagram @TopSpinCharity instagram.com/TopSpinCharity.