BOCA RATON, FL -- Boca Raton's Chris Evert is gathering the troops.
Nearly two dozen celebrities are about to join her on Delray Beach and Boca Raton tennis courts for the annual Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic.
Some of the tennis talent in town for the event includes Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles, and Lindsay Davenport.
"I don't think we've ever had four former number one players and I'm not sure if we'll be on the same court since I'm over 50 and I can't hang with those girls," says Evert with a laugh.
"They're just too young and too good for me, but to have all four during the same weekend, it's a really special year for me," says Evert.
Evert and Navratilova recently caught up on the court to film an upcoming ESPN documentary on their rivalry, one of the greatest in tennis history.
"She's still quick and fast and strong and the veins are still popping out of the arms and it was pretty intimidating hitting against her, but she's still a great friend and she's going to support me this year and I'm very happy about that," says Evert.
No doubt, actor and comedian Jon Lovitz will provide some laughter on the court this year.
Musician Gavin Rossdale might sing for you.
Natalie Cole will definitely sing. Cole will take the stage at the Boca Raton Resort & Club for the Saturday night Dinner Gala and Auction.
The Today Show's Matt Lauer is quick on his feet on air, but this weekend South Florida will see how he does on the court.
"I have no idea how Matt Lauer plays tennis. I mean, all I know is that he says he plays tennis, but of course, once they commit they're bad players, we get the 'oh, I'm not that good,' but he's a great sport for doing it," says Evert.
The event's Golf Classic with golfing great Greg Norman was canceled following news of the couple's separation.
"Notwithstanding the fact that Greg's shoulder surgery would prohibit him from playing, his appearance at the Pro-Celebrity would put into the public forum what the two are trying to work through in private," says Norman's spokesman, Bart Collins.
Evert talked about what it is like to be in spotlight in all aspects of life.
"I've been through good times and bad times and have had both, you know, the press follow me around and that's again, the price you pay and it's fine. I have great kids and I'm where I want to be right now. I want to be at home, being a mom... not traveling and I'm where I should be in my life right now," says Evert.
Many people succeed in the sports world, but not all athletes choose to give so much back to the game and to the community.
Evert was asked what it was that made her put an event like this together twenty years ago.
"I think that I realized that my life as a tennis pro was very self-absorbed and it was all about me and it was all about what do I need to do to be number one in the world and what do I need with my training? What am I going to eat? How am I going to workout? What tournaments am I going to play? What contracts am I going to sign? It's all about me and that's why after I retired and I had children, it was like 'Whoa, welcome back to the human race.' I'm just like any other woman walking around with throw up on my shoulder and changing diapers," says Evert.
Evert quickly realized the need out there and a tournament was born.
Money raised from the Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic helps fight drug abuse and child neglect in South Florida.
"I love the fact that we're giving people a second chance in life. You know, they make a mistake for whatever reason, but they haven't been dealt the best deck of cards. Nobody's perfect, so for them to come through these treatment programs and get jobs and go back to school and be reunited with their families and live a healthy life, you know, I think it is a great, great thing and a great accomplishment for them so that's why it's close to my heart," says Evert.
Chris Evert Charities partners with the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, a public-private partnership in conjunction with the state of Florida to raise money supporting programs for at-risk children.
The event has raised more than $17.8 million in the past 19 years.
Tickets for the tennis action and Gala dinner can be purchased online or by calling 561-394-2400.
