"Burn Notice" Star Jeffrey Donovan Talks Charity Work At Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic

November 8, 2009 8:11 p.m. EST

Miami, FL (CNS) - USA's "Burn Notice" star Jeffrey Donovan took some time out to lend a hand, and his backhand, to the Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic, now in its twentieth year. There, he joins other celebrities like Matt Lauer, Jon Lovitz, Elisabeth Shue, and Gavin Rossdale, in a charity event that helps abused women and children.

"The organization invited me. I do a lot of charity work and I said yes right away," said Donovan, who shoots his hit show in South Florida where it the event takes place. "I grew up watching Chris and all these amazing tennis players. It's just great to go out and meet these incredible athletes."

Donovan has participated in various charity events and community outreach programs, including starting the Jeffrey Donovan Scholarship for the Arts, which has already awarded $100,000 to children in his hometown who have an interest in the arts but without the funds. "Once your status becomes very visible, it's important to use that visibility to attract really good causes," he says.

After the event, it's then back to shooting "Burn Notice," which was recently picked up for a fourth season and returns to finish the rest of its third season in January. "It's going to get a lot more intense, more action," he says. "Fiona and Michael are going to really get at each other."  But while on the court, Donovan was able to hold his own against the other celebrities and even former #1 player Evert herself. "You're just being nice," he said, laughing.