Play Tennis. Ace The Stigma.
Mental health stigma has met its match.
Join the Ace the Stigma Foundation for the 3rd Annual CLT Tennis Memorial Event Honoring Chuck Reiney — June 19-20, 2026 — a weekend of tennis, conversation, and community built around one belief: mental health deserves the same importance as physical health.
In February 2023, the Charlotte tennis community lost Chuck Reiney, a husband, father of three, business leader, and avid tennis player. He died by suicide at 53. Despite outward signs of happiness and success, Chuck’s struggles with mental health were invisible to almost everyone around him — even his wife and brother had not realized the severity of his difficulties. His sudden death shocked his family and friends, who were left searching for answers and wondering what warning signs they might have missed.
In response, Chuck’s family courageously chose to share their story openly — and the Ace the Stigma Foundation was born. Formed in 2024, ATS is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to elevating mental health to the same level of importance as physical health. The memorial tennis event was created in Chuck’s honor to raise money for local mental health organizations and, just as importantly, to encourage open conversations — especially among men, who too often feel pressure to hide what they’re carrying.
That mission is working. Recognized by the North Carolina Tennis Association as its 2024 Charity Tennis Tournament of the Year, the event has, in less than three years, helped ATS donate nearly $500,000 to six Charlotte-area nonprofits that support mental health education, suicide prevention, treatment, and grief care: Alexander Youth Network, For Students, Hopeway, Kindermourn, Mental Health America of Central Carolinas and Mission 34. Every registration, ticket, and bid goes directly to support their work across our community.
Weekend at a Glance — Here’s How You Can Help
The 2026 event has evolved. This year brings a new venue partnership with Carmel Country Club, a streamlined two-day format (down from four), refreshed tournament brackets, and an indoor Mix & Mingle Party to beat the Carolina summer heat. Register for any part of the weekend — every option directly supports the six local beneficiaries.
Mental Health Talk + Pro Exhibition + Impossible Shot Challenge
Friday, June 19 | 6-10 p.m. | Free. Held at Olde Providence Racquet Club’s indoor facility, the evening features a mental health talk with Brannon Hicks of Here Tomorrow, a pro exhibition with former tour and teaching pros, and the Impossible Shot Challenge. Food and drinks provided. Registration is required and is separate from player registration. The discussion addresses sensitive topics, so adult attendance is encouraged; junior players are welcome for the exhibition and shot challenge when accompanied by an adult. Register Now!
Player Tournament
Saturday, June 20 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | $125/player. Compete at Olde Providence Racquet Club. Registration includes lunch, player gifts, awards, and entry to the evening Mix & Mingle Party. Play features Men’s Doubles — Open (single elimination) and a combined 9.0, 8.0, and 7.0-and-below division (round-robin) — and Women’s Doubles — Open and combined divisions (round-robin). Register to Play!
Mix & Mingle Party
Saturday, June 20 | 6-10 p.m. | $75/non-player (Free for players). Celebrate indoors at Carmel Country Club with live music, a buffet and drinks, a live and silent auction and a raffle. Get Tickets!
Silent & Live Auctions
Silent auction online from June 13 | Live auction at the Mix & Mingle Party, June 20. Bid on experiences, gear and getaways. New silent-auction items are added daily, so check back often — you can bid from home or at the party. The live auction runs in person at the Mix & Mingle, so be there to join the bidding. Register to Bid!
Have an item to donate? Auction contributions — experiences, gear, getaways — are welcome right up to event day. To offer an item, email Suzy Johnson at sjohnson@acethestigma.com and Joe-Anne Saldarini at jsaldarini@acethestigma.com.
Other Ways to Engage
Can’t make the weekend? You can still move the mission forward — bid from home on the online silent auction, make a direct donation, or volunteer for the event.
We hope you’ll join us for a weekend of learning, tennis, community, and celebration — as we continue to honor Chuck’s memory and work together to “Ace The Stigma” surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.
— Mike Reiney, Sr., ATS President, and the Ace The Stigma Team
The Ace The Stigma Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity (Tax ID 93-3049093). Event donations and participation are tax-deductible. Learn more at acethestigma.com.