US Open Raffle Winners Experience the "Trip of a Lifetime"
Charles and Kathy Mack watch Isner vs Federer from the President's Box at the 
US Open on August 31st, 2007, courtesy of the USTA and RTA
by Sara James

Charles & Kathy sat in the interview room as part of their full tour of Arthur Ashe stadium.

9/11/07:  When RTA Executive Director Lou Einwick called, promoting raffle tickets, Charles Mack didn't really think he'd win the big prize-- a weekend trip for two to the US Open, with Presidential Suite access and a tour of Arthur Ashe stadium. But "it was for a good cause," so he bought five tickets.

When Einwick called again, to tell him that he'd won, "I couldn't believe it," said Mack, who grew up in Richmond and attended Douglas Freeman HS.  

But he and his wife, Kathy, became believers when the Lexus arrived at their hotel to drive them to Flushing Meadows.  

"We felt like royalty."

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Arriving Friday morning, the Macks did the touristy kind of things that people new to New York do.  They saw the World Trade Center site, and took in Soho.  Later in the day, with tickets for Friday evening play, they boarded a bus at their Grand Hyatt Hotel, which took them right to the front gate of the Open. When the day session play extended a little late, they explored Flushing Meadows.  They enjoyed "a delightful meal" in the club dining room.

"We met a bunch of friendly, talkative people from all over the world," said Charlie.

And, they got to watch matches featuring Venus Williams and Rafa Nadal.

On Saturday, Shima Grover, their USTA escort for the weekend, met the Macks at their hotel.  Shima, the wife of USTA Vice President Joe Grover, was "extremely kind, and a wonderful hostess," Charlie said.  

Shima instructed her driver to take them all directly to the front entry.  "There was security all over," said Mack.  "We pulled into the line, where there were police dogs checking all the cars.  Once we were cleared, we pulled further to another check point, where I saw army officers.  A tremendous police presence in the entire village area.

"We certainly felt very secure."

The Macks were given a complete tour of Arthur Ashe stadium.  They visited the players' dining and locker rooms as well as the work-out facility.  They sat in the press room and met dignitaries in the Presidential Suite.

And the tennis?  How about Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick and Roger Federer on a beautiful Saturday where the players were so close you could almost touch them, and you could hear their conversations?

"A USTA official was sitting behind us in the President's Box.  He was a Georgia graduate who knew Isner.  We could literally hear everything that was said on the court. 

"The ushers would come down and ask us if we needed anything.  Whatever we wanted, they would get it for us.  The hospitality was amazing."

After spending a day watching matches, the Macks returned to their hotel to get ready for a night on the town, courtesy of the RTA of course.  They attended the Broadway revival of "A Chorus Line," and had a late dinner at Sardi's.  "We thoroughly enjoyed it." Kathy, who is a 4.5 rated player at Westwood Club, was enthusiastic as well.  "It was a wonderful experience.  We can't thank the RTA enough.  Everything was marvelous." "I encourage anybody to take a chance next year if the RTA offers the opportunity," said Charlie.  "It's for a great cause.  And if you win, it's the experience of a lifetime."

Kathy and Charlie from their seat row at the Open.  Isner and Federer are in the background.

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