HJTEP to Honor Noah at 54th Annual Gala in NYC
By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, April 16, 2026
Photo credit: Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program
Hoops and hope come together for a worthy cause at the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program’s annual gala.
The Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program will celebrate its 54th annual Gala fundraiser on May 11th the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.
Joakim Noah, a two-time NBA All-Star and former New York Knicks center with a deep commitment to giving back, will be honored with the Shining Star Award. Joakim Noah is son of International Tennis Hall of Famer Yannik Noah and an avid tennis fan and supporter.
Tickets for the gala are available here: hjtep.org/gala
ESPN analyst Patrick McEnroe will emcee the star-studded gala celebrating the achievements of over 1,200 young people who benefit each year from HJTEP’s tennis and education programs. Both a live and silent auction will raise critical funds needed to support these programs.
Parkway Venture Capital founders Jesse Coors-Blankenship and Gregg Hill will be recognized with the HJTEP Corporate Award for their role in advancing the organization’s mission.
“The impact HJTEP has made over the past 50+ years is a direct result of the generosity and dedication of individuals like Joakim and partners such as Parkway Venture Capital,” said HJTEP Executive Director Katrina Adams. “This event is a special opportunity to celebrate those contributions, connect our supporters with the young people whose lives are being shaped by our programs, and generate critical support for the future of our mission.”
The Shining Star Award honors Noah for his unwavering support of HJTEP and for consistently stepping up when the organization needed him most over nearly two decades. He retired from the NBA in 2020 following a distinguished 13-year career that included two NBA All-Star selections, the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, and the 2015 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. Drafted ninth overall by Chicago in the 2007 NBA Draft, he entered the league after leading the University of Florida to back-to-back NCAA Championships.
The son of 1983 French Open champion and International Tennis Hall of Famer Yannick Noah, Joakim grew up immersed in elite tennis. He credits his father’s discipline and rigorous training as foundational to the work ethic that defined his own professional career and his continued commitment to giving back.
Here’s the HJTEP news release on its 54th annual Gala:
There will be live and silent auctions that evening to raise valuable funds. The live auction, always a highlight of the night and a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts, will feature a variety of exclusive packages, ranging from private club memberships to once-in-a-lifetime trips and premier tennis experiences, including behind-the-scenes access to major tournaments, private lessons with top professionals, and VIP hospitality packages, including:
Exclusive Flyfish Club Membership + Private Dining Experience with Chef Josh Capon
2027 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells Package
2026 US Open ESPN Experience with James Blake and hotel accommodations
Luxury Villa Getaways to Riviera Maya or Puerto Nuevo Vallarta
This is a snippet of what the silent auction will feature:
Martha’s Vineyard Paradise: A four-bedroom house in Vineyard Haven, the perfect blend of luxury, leisure, and laid-back New England style
Private Tennis Lesson with Anna Tatishvili at the River Club
Tulum Luxury Getaway: 7-night stay in a luxury villa in the heart of Tulum, accommodations for up to 8 guests
Tennis Lab FX Package: Including custom-tailored stringing and much more
Additionally,there will be an in-house raffle, featuring an 18k white gold diamond bracelet, valued at $19,975.
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