Pam Shriver's Tennis Classic Auction

The Tremont Grand ballroom was bursting with people and bustling with energy as several hundred guests wined, dined and perused all sorts of silent auction items at Pam Shriver's 23rd annual Charity Tennis Classic Grand Kickoff Reception. Not bad for an event that's been around a lot longer than those it helps support through Greater Baltimore Tennis Patrons and other youth organizations.

"We support all groups for kids," said Gail Brodsky, the No. 1 junior tennis player in the U.S.

"Every kid has to have a chance to do what we do," added Ajla Tomljanovic, the No. 1 junior tennis player in Europe. The two would be playing in the classic the next night.

As always, Baltimore's tennis-playing pride and joy, Pam Shriver, was an ever-gracious hostess, warmly chatting with guests and proudly showing them photos of her children: George and twins Kate and Sam, 3.

"To think about how this event has segued into so many different phases of my life: my playing career to my retirement, to marriages and deaths and births. That's what 23 years does for you. The constants in my life have been my family and my hometown," she said. "It gives me a warm, warm feeling."

That feeling was shared by her mom, Margot Shriver. "This makes me feel good all over about how much she's done, and how much she loves her home in Baltimore even though she lives in Los Angeles," she said.

Two other attendees marveled at the Tennis Classic's longevity and continued popularity.

"I don't know how many events really last this long," said Tennis Patrons president Clinton Kelly.

"Twenty-three years. It's fantastic," said Steve Krulevitz, president of Steve Krulevitz Sports Camps. "Let's do another 23!"