HOUSTON – Young and upcoming tennis athletes and fashion designers are scheduled to compete and be inspired at two day event EAT. PLAY. LOVE. hosted by Houston’s very own former Olympian and philanthropist, Zina Garrison, and fellow former Olympian, Martina Navratilova at a three of Houston’s most spacious and luxurious homes located in the Memorial area. The weekend-long event will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 3rd and will fuse tennis with fashion to raise money for Garrison’s Tennis and Education academy, a non-profit organization that teaches tennis, health and fitness to children free of charge. While there is a cost to be in attendance, the opportunity to mix and mingle with Houston’s most celebrated athletes, chefs and philanthropist, whilst contributing to Garrison’s vision are expected to be priceless.
“My mother always motivated me at a young age to pass it down and on to others,” Garrison said when reflecting on her reason for holding this event. “My biggest motivation is the young kids and seeing the smiles on their faces, and giving them the opportunity to be able to dream and see where their dreams can take them,” she added.
From Houston’s Sunnyside to winning 14 top-level singles and 20 doubles titles, Garrison is no stranger to the outcome of following your dreams. Garrison entered the world of professional tennis at the tender age of 18, missing her high school graduation to compete in the French Open, where she reached the quarterfinals before being knocked out by Navratilova. Both Garrison and Navratilova competed for several years, winning and losing on the tennis court. After having competed with one another in tennis for years, their dreams have landed them on the same iconic and inspirational team. Having Garrison and Navratilova stand side by side to give hope to the young individuals competing in the tournament and on the runway is a testimony to Garrison’s reason behind EAT.PLAY.LOVE.
This year’s event will begin with a competitive doubles tournament where two pairs will “take it to the net”. While the tournament is in place Chef Michael Gabriel, Chef Rich Mancini and Chef Bev Lazo from Hell’s Kitchen will be cooking in VIP tents at all three locations. Author and Celebrity Chef, Jake Smollett will oversee the EPL foodie experience. Live music by the Merlot Music of Houston Band and Liz Vaughn will also be in play for attendees to enjoy.
On Sunday, a celebrity fashion show will take place, with fashion by designers like Chloe Dao, and tennis star Venus Williams. Three fashion students from the Art Institute of Houston will also be in the mix competing for scholarship money and being judged by big time celebrity judges.
“I just want everyone to leave knowing that you’re going to have more losses than wins, but you just have to keep dreaming to see where your dreams will take you,” Garrison said.
Garrison has worked diligently to collaborate with many other prestigious people to give back to the community in a competitive, yet fun and fashionable way in hopes that each person competing and attending takes away one message: keep dreaming. So whether you’re a tennis or fashion fan, a lover of music or food, or just a person who wants to support a good cause there will be something at EPL for you to enjoy.
For EAT.PLAY.LOVE, event lineup, tickets or sponsorship information, visit supportzga.org
