Sampras, Blake to play exhibition at PMAC

• Advocate news services
• Published: Oct 4, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Pete Sampras and James Blake will square off in Baton Rouge at the “Dule Under the Oaks II” fund-raising event on Dec. 14 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

The event, announced by the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation, was organzied by Paula Pennington de la Bretonne.

This is the second time Sampras has participated in the ‘Duel Under the Oaks’ match. In October, 2006, Sampras helped raise money for LSU Medical Center students who were displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This year, Sampras is returning in an effort to raise funds for non-profit organizations aiding those impacted by hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

The December event will be funded by the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation in hopes of raising money through sponsorships and ticket sales.

Proceeds from the event will go to the “Duel Under the Oaks Hurricane Relief and Recovery Fund,” at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, which will award grants to Gulf Coast area non-profit organizations and programs that shelter, feed and provide necessities to people impacted by the storm. The fund will also provide grants to organizations that aid residents returning to the impacted areas.

“The Pennington Foundation is deeply committed to assisting Gulf Coast area non-profit organizations that are now facing even larger challenges and are in dire need of more resources to help communities recover after Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike,” said de la Bretonne, Pennington Foundation Trustee and chair of the event.

The event, which starts at 11 a.m., will feature a children’s clinic, a warmup match between Shreveport native Ryan Harrison and current LSU tennis player Michael Venus then the best-of-three match between Sampras and Blake.

Tickets range from $10 to $75 can be purchased by visiting www.DuelOaks.com or calling 225-578-2184.

Major event sponsors include Baton Rouge General, WBRZ Channel 2, The Advocate, Guaranty and Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To inquire please call Lori Bertman at 225-928-8346 or visit www.DuelOaks.com.