Two Local Clubs Raise Money for Charlie’s Champions

November 1, 2009 | By Bill Mecca
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For many years, there has been a friendly rivalry between the Garden City Casino and the Cold Spring Valley Club. These two tennis clubs have been playing home and away matches for bragging rights. This year, the Casino’s interclub squad captain Rich Antoneck asked if the last interclub match of the year could be a charity event.

To their credit, both clubs quickly agreed. It was decided that the proceeds of the day would be dedicated to Charlie’s Champions Foundation, an organization named for Charlie Schmitt, the son of Garden City residents Tara and John Schmitt, who has been battling leukemia for most of his young life. Charlie’s dad, John, has been a highly-ranked local and national player, and members of Tara’s family have been avid tennis players in Garden City for many years.

Despite the terrible weather forecast of a 90 percent chance of rain, all courts were playable and all matches saw action. Over the course of the day, members participated in 24 matches that were played simultaneously at both clubs. A great lunch was served at the Casino and more than 75 people attended the event.
The generosity of players, members and friends resulted in just under $4,000 donated to raise awareness and provide funds to benefit the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop University Hospital
At the end of the day, the Casino won 11 matches, Cold Spring Valley won seven and three were called a draw due to the mid-afternoon downpour.

Bill Mecca
Tennis Service Representative on Long Island for the USTA Eastern Section

Bill Mecca is the Tennis Service Representative on Long Island for the USTA Eastern Section. He may be reached by e-mail at mecca@eastern.usta.com.

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