Gunshow's Chef Kevin Gillespie featured July 20

Chef Kevin Gillespie featured at July 20 BB&T Atlanta Open charity event

ATLANTA, GA., July 15, 2013 – The 2013 BB&T Atlanta Open is partnering with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta Saturday, July 20, to benefit Y youth tennis with Tennis Night on the Town.

The event features a special menu created by local celebrity chef Kevin Gillepsie. Gillespie was a finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef, and recently opened Gunshow in Glenwood Park. Gillespie will feature recipes from his new cookbook, Fire in my Belly, in addition to creating the signature event cocktail.

Tennis Night on the Town, hosted at Twelve Hotel in Atlantic Station from 7-10 p.m., will be the site of the BB&T Atlanta Open official Player Party and Draw Ceremony. Music will be provided by former top 20 tennis player Ronald Agenor and his band.

The local Y is the official charity for the tournament. The partnership supports the Y’s commitment to offer opportunities for young people to engage in activities like tennis to maintain a healthy lifestyle, develop skills, build character and become a lifelong participant.

"Atlanta has an active tennis community, and local Ys give young people the opportunity to experience the game, along with the life skills that can be learned from tennis," Ed Munster, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, says. "We are thrilled to work with BB&T and other tournament sponsors and partners, so even more kids and teens can discover this great game. In the past 10 years, more than 54,000 children were introduced to tennis through the Y's 10 and under summer camp program."

A live auction will feature an in-home cooking class and dinner for 10 with Gillespie. Other auction items include two tickets to the President’s Suite at the U.S. Open and a private clinic with a world tour player during the BB&T Atlanta Open.

BB&T Atlanta Open players will showcase 10 & under tennis at the event. The 10 & under format, formerly called QuickStart, is used at Ys throughout metro Atlanta, and kids learn tennis by using smaller court dimensions, low compression balls, smaller nets and racquets.

The event is $150 per person or two for $250. Register at www.ymcaatlantatennis.org by July 18. For more information, contact Courtney Severson at 404-267-4819.