Mary Seelig has been affiliated with the Chicago District for many years. She had volunteered in many capacities with four different organizations from administrative work to tournament directing. Mary has touched the lives of a great number of junior tournament players being affectionately called the “Gummy Bear Lady” by many who have gone on to receive high school, collegiate and national tennis honors. With the Chicago District Tennis Association, Mary was a member of the Board of Directors from 1993-2009, gave time on various committees including the Qualifier and Junior Competition, worked as a tournament director for local and Midwest events, and acted as the Head of Endorsers for the District. The Chicago Tennis Patrons included Mary on the Board of Directors from 1995-2009. Mary has been a volunteer with the Midwest Section since 1996, including many years with the Junior Competition and Tournament Approval & Scheduling committees. In 2006 she received a 10-year Volunteer Pin from the USTA/Midwest Section. Mary has been a tennis Official since 1965, becoming certified as an Official and Referee when certification was established in 1972. She has officiated at amateur local (CDTA), Midwest (Western) and National junior events. Mary officiated on the Pro Circuit with the Virginia Slims, Women’s Avon Circuit, Men’s Volvo Circuit, and at the US Open in 1979 and 1981. Mary’s many awards include Chicago Professional Tennis Umpires Association Crew of the Year in 1976 and 1977, and three-time CDTA Tournament Director of the Year in 1983, 1991, and 1995. In 1996 a CDTA/Patrons Award was re-named the Mary Seelig Award for Tournament Director of the Year in her honor, which continues today. She was also named the Volunteer of the Year in 1994, and in 1996 was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.