Australian tennis legend and respected commentator, Jelena Dokic, has gifted a unique signed Australian Open towel to local Hunter charity, Got Your Back Sista.
The prized towel was autographed live on air by Aryna Sabalenka before she went on to win the 2024 Australian Open tournament in Melbourne.
Now in the hands of charity founder and director Melissa Histon, the towel will be auctioned off to raise money for the Got Your Back Sista casework support service.
This vital service helps women and children who are experiencing domestic violence by providing personalised information and advice, referrals to legal services and housing organisations, counselling and emotional support, and assistance accessing financial support where possible.
Dokic connected with Got Your Back Sista in March last year when she was the keynote speaker at the Gen Collective International Women’s Day event, where the charity was the official partner.
Deeply moved by their work, Dokic generously donated the signed towel.
“As well as a legendary tennis champion, Jelena is a wonderful advocate for bringing awareness to domestic violence,” Histon told the Newcastle Weekly.
“This towel is not just a rare piece of tennis history, it represents solidarity, strength and support for survivors of domestic violence.
“Every raffle ticket we sell will help us continue our vital work.
“We are so grateful to Jelena for her advocacy, generosity and kindness.”
Got Your Back Sista will be promoting the online auction of the towel throughout May, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with tickets priced at $20 each.
The raffle will close at 4pm and be drawn at 4.30pm on 31 May 2025 via a Facebook Live stream.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.gotyourbacksista.com
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