National Senior Women’s Tennis Foundation
Sue Bramlette
Many of you may not be aware of the organization called the National Senior Women’s Tennis Foundation. Originally named the International Senior Women’s Tennis Foundation, it was created in 2002 by Mary McLean Wilson (President), Margie Cooper (VP and Treasurer) and Pat Greer (Trustee). Mary had the idea that she and her husband Ralph C. Wilson Jr. would fund an international “Friendship Cup,” whereby an American team of women 75 and older would play an international team in Austria (a favorite spot for Mary and Ralph). The tournament would take place every other year during the week before the European Senior Championships, thus allowing the players to participate in both events.
“The overall purpose of the NSWTF is the promotion of senior and veteran women’s health and education through tennis and other sports and the promotion and sponsorship of venues, events and programs to encourage participation of senior and veteran women in lifelong sports and physical activities and is organized exclusively for charitable purposes.”
The creation of this foundation was particularly relevant because, thanks to Margie’s legal expertise, it was founded as a 501 (c) (3). At the time, the then National Senior Women’s Tennis Association (now NWTO) was not a 501(c)(3). Therefore, all donations to the FOUNDATION were tax exempt whereas the NSWTA did not qualify for tax exempt status. In these early years, members would donate to NSWTF and the three board members would strategically pass funds on to the appropriate tournaments.
In 2020, during the presidency of Leslie Airola-Murveit and Andrea Barnes, the NSWTA applied for tax exempt status and changed the name to National Women’s Tennis Organization, a 501(c)(3). Since then, members have made tax deductible gifts directly to NWTO.
The Friendship Cup has continued!! Through the generosity of Mary Wilson, the wonderful event in Austria has taken place bi-annually (except during Covid). The Mary and Ralph Wilson Foundation provides the funds. The NSWTF has benefitted from exceptional leadership. The original three were joined by succeeding presidents Sheila Weinstock and Kathy Langer. Since 2018, Donna Fales has been president/treasurer of the NSWTF and Ann Moore has been chairman of the Friendship Cup. The Board of Trustees has consisted of Kathy Langer (secretary), Brenda Carter, Kris McDonald, Pam Percy, and Sheila Weinstock. In early 2024, Donna decided to seek other leadership. She recruited Sue Bramlette, who was voted by the Board as the new president/treasurer. Cindy Babb was also elected as a new trustee.
The NSWTF continues to be grateful to receive any tax-free donations. When the National Senior Women’s Clay Court Championships failed to return to the Houston Racquet Club for the 2025 tournament, Sue Bramlette transferred the remaining funds ($32,000) to the NSWTF. The feeling is that this Board will make thoughtful decisions on how that money should be distributed going forward. For instance, annual tournaments such as the Cooper Cup in Ft. Lauderdale have received funds in the past. If any NWTO member is aware of tournaments which could benefit from extra financial help, please contact one of the Board members.
A hearty round of applause is sent to Mary Wilson for her many years of commitment to the Foundation and the Friendship Cup!