BOCA RATON, Fla. (May 11, 2006) - - - When Chris Evert makes out her invitation list each year for her annual charity tennis event, one name is always at the top of the list - longtime friend and fan favorite Jimmy Connors. Evert can now move on down the list. Connors, along with fellow hall of famer Jim Courier, are the first players to sign on for the 17th annual Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic, set for Nov. 3-5, at the Delray Beach Tennis Center in Delray Beach, Fla.

Evert's annual charity weekend has raised more than $14.2 million over 17 years to fight drug abuse and assist neglected and abused children in Florida, including a record-tying $1.2 million in 2005.

"There's a special energy anytime Jimmy steps on the court," said Evert. "When he was here a few years ago, fans went crazy for Jimmy. They used to love to hate him, now they just love to love him. I'm really excited to have him back at the event."

Connors defined American men's tennis throughout the 1970s and 80s. The popular star won eight Grand Slam singles championships including five U.S. Open titles and twice at Wimbledon. Connors, who was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1998, was once ranked as the world's top player on the ATP Tour for 160 consecutive weeks.

Courier, who joined Connors in the Hall of Fame last summer, has been busy this year with the launch of a seniors pro tour. During his 13-year pro career, the former world no. 1 player won 23 singles titles including back-to-back Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open (1992-93) and Roland Garros (1991-92)

Tickets for the 2006 Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic, held in association with the Chris Evert Children's Hospital at Broward General, are currently available through Chris Evert Charities at 561/394-2400. Individual series tickets are $70 and individual single day seats are $20 and $40. Box seats range from $90 to $900.

Individual tickets and patron packages for the Gala, ranging from $750 to $35,000, are currently available through Chris Evert Charities. The star-studded evening will feature silent and live auctions, celebrity guests and nationally known entertainment. In past years, the Gala entertainment has included Michael Bolton, Gloria Estefan, Bruce Hornsby, Whitney Houston and Olivia Newton-John.

During the past 16 years, many of the biggest names in sports and entertainment have participated in Evert's event including former President George Bush, Dr. Phil, Greg Norman, Matthew Perry, Regis Philbin, Chevy Chase, Mia Hamm, Tony Hawk, Brooke Shields, Jennifer Capriati, John McEnroe, Monica Seles, Martina Navratilova and Andy Roddick.

The tennis competition is scheduled for 11 a.m. on both Saturday, Nov. 4, and Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Delray Beach Tennis Center. For more information on the 2006 Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic, call 561/394-2400 or visit www.chrisevert.org.

Evert's annual charity event is held in association with the Chris Evert Children's Hospital at Broward General. Delta is the official airlines of the 2006 Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic. Official sponsors include Clear Channel, Marchon Eyewear, Mercedes-Benz of South Florida, Palm Beach Post and Rolex.

About Chris Evert Charities
Chris Evert Charities partners with the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, a public-private partnership administered with the State of Florida, to raise money for needy programs which otherwise would not be fully-funded by the State. The Ounce of Prevention Fund matches moneys raised through the Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic. For more information on Chris Evert Charities, please visit www.chrisevert.org.