Tennis great Big serves up some amazing action out on the courts. His accolades on the court are many - he has back-to-back U.S. Open titles (1997 and 1998) in his nine overall titles. While he became a pro in 1991, it was his 1997 U.S. Open victory that catapulted him to the forefront and helped make him a household name. Now, in 2001, he will match up with Agassi for the Australian Open Title.

Maybe more important than his numerous accomplishments on the court is his commitment to making a difference in the lives of children. This Aussie has taken time to dedicate himself and give part of his prize money to children.

In February of 1999 Rafter announced the formation of the "Big Cherishthe Children Foundation." His sense of giving back was instilled by his upbringing. Hailing from a large family, one of nine children, he watched as his father placed money in the poor box at church. Rafter said he was taught to be generous by his parents, who were quick to help those worse off as they struggled to support a large family.

"I got a lot of my values from my mum and dad, especially my father who was big into giving," Rafter told us.

"We never had much money growing up, but whenever we went to church on Sunday, Dad always put quite a bit of money into the box and I thought 'Wow, he hasn't got any and he's doing that.'"

Rafter knows what it is like to share with others and he recognizes the differences that he can make via his tennis success. While he admits that there is too much money in the sport of tennis, he feels he can utilize his good fortune to help others - he can give of his time and his money to make others happy.

His charity's first beneficiary is the "Youth Off the Street Program" which helps homeless and drug-addicted children. Newspaper pictures of children injecting drugs horrified Rafter and he felt this would be a great first cause for his new foundation.

Through Davis Cup captain John Newcombe, Rafter met Father Chris Riley, founder of the Youth Off the Street Program. Rafter toured the streets of Sydney's Kings Crossing in February to get a first-hand look at the youth drug problem.

"I wanted to make a difference in the lives of these children," said Rafter. "I want them to know what it's like to be brought up in a caring environment, just as I and my eight brothers and sisters were."

Prior to the formation of his own charity, Rafter provided support to "Starlight Children's Foundation." He donated nearly half (500,000) of his $1.1 million 1997 U.S. Open winnings to the "Starlight Children's Foundation" to fund a leisure room for terminally ill children at Royal Brisbane Hospital, located in his hometown.

In addition to his foundation efforts, Rafter supports the children and the communities where he plays tournaments by participating in kids day activities, visiting local children's hospitals, providing kids clinics and more. At the AT&T Challenge in Atlanta this April, Rafter met participants in the "ACE" (AT&T Challenge of Excellence) Program and provided them with some inspiration.

The Big "Cherishthe Children's Foundation" is run by Patrick's sister Louise. Upcoming foundation activities include a celebrity golf and tennis event with live and silent auctions.

By Susan Masten