martinanavratilova.com
THE POLITICIAN
It turns out that Chris Evert will not be able to serve as keynote speaker at the Charles Schwab Challenge Executive Women’s Day luncheon in May at Colonial Country Club.
Evert, the 18-time tennis majors winner, had a conflict arise, officials said.
However, do not sweat this news.
In her stead will be the most appropriate substitute.
Martina Navratilova, years ago a Fort Worth resident, is stepping in. Once upon a time, in places far, far away, these two were nemeses and archrivals on the tennis court. Today, they are dear friends.
The announcement of the change will be made formally at the Executive Women’s Day “Uncorked for Charity” event on Wednesday at the Circle T Ranch in Westlake.
In addition to the news about the keynote address in May, EWD and Fort Worth Colonial Charities Inc. will also formally announce a three-year commitment to The Women’s Center of Tarrant County and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County which will exceed $500,000 in charitable giving to the organizations through the “Help A Sister Up” fundraising campaign.
Representatives from the two nonprofit groups will be in attendance.
“After seeing how the donations impacted these charities last year, EWD made it a priority to continue the financial support,” said Julie Butner, chair of Executive Women’s Day, in a statement. “It is an excellent example of empowering women to use their wealth and power to uplift other women and girls in our local community.”
In 2023, EWD’s “Help A Sister Up” campaign, in conjunction with Fort Worth Colonial Charities Inc., raised $75,000 for the two nonprofits.
Executive Women’s Day is a forum that brings together hundreds of local business leaders and innovators for corporate dialogue, networking, idea sharing and development. This year’s luncheon is May 21 during the week of the 78th Charles Schwab Challenge, the PGA Tour event conducted annually at Colonial.
Navratilova is considered one of her sport’s all-time greats. The rivalry she shared with Evert is considered one of the best in sports history.
The two best players of their era played 80 times, including 60 finals matches in 16 years. Each won 18 majors.
That history manifested in a close friendship which they both hold dear to this day.
The tale of friendship has been well-documented, including a story published by the Washington Post last year detailing their mutual battles with cancer and how they leaned on each other to get through their ordeals.
Navratilova said she wore a necklace Evert had given her for her 60th birthday for months as a symbol of love and support for her friend, only taking it off when she had do her own radiation.
“I wore it all the time when I wanted her to get well,” Navratilova said.
Go here for more information on Executive Women’s Day.