Family Circle Cup Helps Japan Throughout the Week

There may only be one woman in the singles main draw at the Family Circle Cup, but Japan is not far from the thought of anyone attending or playing in the event this week.

The Family Circle Cup and its parent company, Meredith Corporation, have partnered with Subaru of Charleston, the tournament’s official vehicle provider, and the American Red Cross in a tsunami relief effort, with all proceeds benefitting the Red Cross Japan relief program.  Marking the tournament’s 39th consecutive year, the Family Circle Cup is scheduled April 2-10, 2011 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in the Best Tennis Town in America, Charleston, SC.

Beginning today and concluding at 1:00 pm on Sunday, April 10^th, fans will have the opportunity to guess the number of tennis balls inside a Subaru Forrester on-site at the Family Circle Cup for just $5.00 per entry.  The closest guess will win the use of a Subaru Forrester for 90 days.

“The Family Circle Cup is a signature event for the Lowcountry, and Subaru of Charleston is excited to be involved,” said Robert Crews, owner, Subaru of Charleston.  “We are also pleased to be partnering with the American Red Cross in efforts to raise money for the Japanese relief fund. Come by and see us by the front entrance.”

Also included in this initiative, a special Family Circle Cup Box Holder reception will be held tonight at the Daniel Island Club, featuring a group of top players who will visit with the tournament’s most dedicated fans.  These special ticket patrons will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of items, including two Dunlop custom-made Family Circle Cup tennis racquets signed by many of the top seeds, and highlighted by two very unique player interaction experiences.  World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki has donated two Player Box seats for a match, as well as a private meet & greet after the match.  World No. 5 and defending Family Circle Cup champion Samantha Stosur has donated a private 30-minute hitting session including her and her coach during the tournament.

Meredith Corporation, parent company of the Family Circle Cup, holds an annual charity auction with VIP guests during the world class tennis tournament, and 50% of all proceeds at this year’s event on Friday, April 8 will be donated to this relief effort.

The Family Circle Cup will donate $2.00 for every patron who attends the finals on Sunday, April 10^th.

“The Family Circle Cup is truly an international event, hosting players from all over the world, including Japan, so we are proud to do our part in this relief effort.  Our goal is to raise $50,000 for Japan relief through the combination of these events,” said Bob Moran, General Manager, Family Circle Cup. “We’re very excited to include our fans in these fundraising programs because we know they feel just as passionately about this important cause as we do.”

You can help people affected by disasters like the Japanese Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.  Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.

Sam Stosur is helping raise money for Japan