for victims of the recent Florida hurricanes, the Tour announced today.

The charitable event included a tennis clinic for disadvantaged St. Petersburg children, an exhibition match at the St. Pete Times Forum and a silent auction. The exhibition match, which attracted 4,224 fans, featured several of the most heralded young stars of women’s tennis, including Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova, Nicole Vaidisova, Maria Kirilenko and Angela Haynes.

Florida Governor Jeb Bush, WTA Tour CEO Larry Scott and world-renowned tennis coach Nick Bollettieri took part in the event’s opening ceremonies. In addition, Jennifer Capriati, former tennis star Jim Courier and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star football player Derrick Brooks participated in the event.

“With our world headquarters in St. Petersburg, the Tour and our players were eager to join the rest of the community and the state in providing relief for the victims of these devastating hurricanes in a very real and personal way,’’ Scott said. “We are thrilled to have contributed our time, effort and financial backing to such a worthy cause, and we look forward to getting more involved in this community and others around the world.’’

The Tour’s $218,000 contribution goes into the Florida Hurricane Relief Fund, which was established recently by Governor Bush to support hurricane survivors with aid not provided by the government or insurance companies. “The true story of this hurricane season is one of unity. I applaud the support of all the fans here today, the sponsors, and especially the donated time and talents of the WTA Tour team, which organized the event,’’ Governor Bush said during the event. “Together we are helping our neighbors in need restore their communities and lives.’’