CHARACTER AWARDS CRITERIA MADE POSSIBLE BY THE HAMLIN FAMILY FOUNDATION-CHARACTER INITIATIVE

Presented annually through WTT Charities, Inc. Recipients must be between the ages of 10 and 18 and must play competitively in tournaments or high school.

WHAT: Ten one-time awards of $1,000 each given annually to ten young people aged 10-18 who demonstrate good character in their lives, and play tennis competitively in tournaments or on their school team. The awards are to be used for education and/or tennis development. Winners are to be presented their awards by Billie Jean King at a World TeamTennis match, date and site to be determined, in July 2010. The award also comes with the opportunity to spend time with Billie Jean King, hit tennis balls with 20-time winner , or win another great prize. They will also be given the opportunity to attend a free 2-hour character and leadership course, which will help them learn more about the importance of character and teach it to others. Applicants must currently reside in the Philadelphia area.

WHY: To honor the actions of those who have displayed good character, integrity and fortitude in their lives. Character is defined as “the combination of moral and ethical strength, honesty, integrity and fortitude that distinguishes a person from another.” Every person faces decisions every day, and the goal of this award is to promote good character by rewarding those who have demonstrated honesty and integrity in their lives. The importance of character in our society is immeasurable. Those who have shown it deserve to be celebrated and exemplified.

Developing character is especially important in youth and young adults. Recognizing and instilling character principles in young people at an early age will allow them to reap benefits for the duration of their lives. This award is to demonstrate how good character should be defined, valued and recognized.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: You must: 1) be between the ages 10 to 18 (male or female); 2) currently or seeking to become a competitive tennis player either in tournaments or high school; 3) embody strong character, honesty, integrity on and off the ; and 4) demonstrate financial need as indicated on the application.

HOW TO APPLY: Applications for the first round of submissions are due by June 25, 2010. Applications for the second round of submissions are due by July 10, 2010. They must be submitted along with two recommendation letters and a short essay about the applicant's understanding of the "Importance of Character," how he or she demonstrates good character and why it is important. Applicants should first visit www.hamlinfoundation.org for a description of the "Importance of Character". Finalists may be asked to demonstrate financial need. To download an application, go to www.freedomsvip.com. E-mail completed application to [email protected]. For more information, contact Jeff Harrison at 610-896-2891.

ABOUT THE HAMLIN FAMILY FOUNDATION-CHARACTER INITIATIVE: The Hamlin Family Foundation is a private foundation located in suburban Philadelphia and provides grants to qualifying charitable organizations whose goals and operations we deem important and worthy. The Foundation’s Character Initiative is a program initiative to help address the problems caused by the declining emphasis of the importance of character in our society. The Foundation actively initiates and develops customized character training programs in conjunction with charitable organizations. We have been focusing our efforts in education and athletic programs for youths age 18 and under.