Event Supports Foundation’s Efforts to Transform Education

Las Vegas (March 2, 2010)

The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education (AAFE) today announced that it will host a special benefit at the 2010 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif. Guests will have the opportunity to experience a day at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in a private suite with tennis legend and philanthropist Andre Agassi.

The event, which will take place on Tuesday, March 16th, supports the Foundation’s efforts to transform education and benefits the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a K-12 public charter school in Las Vegas that strives to provide children with a first-class education.

“I have always enjoyed this tournament since my early days as a pro and I am thrilled to be there this year in a philanthropic role,” Agassi said. “I cannot thank the amazing supporters of the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education enough for their help in making this benefit possible. It means so much for our efforts to effect positive change in education. I am also incredibly grateful to the tournament organizers for inviting me to participate in ‘Hits for Haiti’ to kick off the tournament and support a country so in need.”

The BNP Paribas Open will kick off this year with an exhibition match featuring Agassi, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal entitled “Hits for Haiti” which is expected to rise $1M for Haiti relief efforts. The competitive tournament itself will this year feature exceptional men’s and women’s fields, including World No. 1 Federer, three-time major champion Maria Sharapova, defending tournament men’s champion Nadal, defending US Open champion Kim Clijsters, Serbian stars Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic, and defending women’s champion Vera Zvonareva. To benefit AAFE and support its signature project, the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, Agassi will host up to 15 couples in a private, catered suite to watch both the day and night sessions of the star-studded tournament on March 16. After enjoying the women’s round of 16 and men’s third-round singles, guests will be treated to a VIP tour of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden by former Davis Cup member and tournament organizer, Charlie Pasarell. The benefit package will also include a commemorative photo and gift, as well as complimentary valet parking.

Dedicated to transforming education, the Foundation opened the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in 2001; in 2009 the public charter school graduated its first senior class with 100 percent of graduates going on to higher education opportunities. The Foundation’s work is directly impacting students in Las Vegas, Agassi’s hometown community, but it has broader implications for education nationwide, as the Foundation works to increase investment in, and accountability for, public schools.

Tickets to the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education benefit at the 2010 BNP Paribas Open are $10,000 per couple and support the Foundation’s signature project, the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy. A portion of the donation will be tax-deductible, as allowed by law. To purchase tickets or for additional information, please contact 702-227-5700 or darian@agassi.net.

About the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education

The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education seeks to transform public education in two ways. Through its signature project, the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, the Foundation works to provide underserved children in Las Vegas with a quality K-12 education to prepare them for excellence in college and beyond. Through state and national advocacy, the Foundation strives to increase investment in, and accountability for, public schools.