LITM, Sunrise Day Camp Team Up For Annual Play It Forward Tennis Event
Long Island Tennis Magazine partnered with Sunrise Day Camp to host the annual Play It Forward Tennis event, a fundraiser to support Sunrise’s mission. Held at Robbie Wagner’s Tournament Training Center in Glen Cove, participants came out to enjoy a night of tennis fun, great food/drinks and wonderful company, all in benefit of a great cause.
The night was filled with tennis games on the courts run by enthusiastic teaching pros and after all the fun on-court concluded, there was an expansive catered food spread from Marinara Pizza, consisting of pizza, pasta, eggplant parmesan, salad, wings and much more. Everyone was able to mingle while enjoying food along with a wide selection of drinks served up by the event bartenders.
“The event had a really positive, high-energy feeling, which reminds me of Sunrise Day Camp!” said Gina Lauri, Development Executive for the Sunrise Association, which brings the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide, offering welcoming, inclusive day camps, year-round programs and in-hospital recreational activities, all completely free of charge. “It was well-organized thanks to Long Island Tennis Magazine, and I think everyone likes the idea of doing something they love to do, while giving back at the same time.”
This was the third consecutive year of the Play it Forward event, and each year the event continues to symbolize the mission of Sunrise: people coming together to help benefit those in need.
“Saturday night was a powerful reminder of what can happen when our community comes together with heart and purpose. Seeing everyone out on the courts, playing hard, laughing, connecting over great food and drinks, all in support of Sunrise Day Camp, made the evening truly special,” said Nikki Oheb, a Sunrise Day Camp co-chair who helps organize this annual event. “There’s an incredible spirit that fills the air at this event. It’s more than just a tennis fundraiser; it’s a celebration of generosity, friendship, and shared commitment to an amazing cause. Every game played and every dollar raised helps create unforgettable experiences for Sunrise campers and their families. We’re so grateful for the support and already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better.”
In all, the event helped raise thousands of dollars which provides a major boost to Sunrise’s ability to provide free camp and year-round programs for children with cancer and their siblings.
“These funds help cover things like the rising cost of transportation, fun activities and support for families so that every child can experience a safe and joyful summer at Sunrise Day Camp, free of charge,” Lauri added.
David Sickmen, Publisher of Long Island Tennis Magazine, added:
“We were proud to partner with Sunrise Association and use our Courts & Cocktails event series to help those who are less fortunate. Everyone who participated had a great time and it was all for a very worthy cause. It was a special night and working with Nikki, Danielle, Gina and everyone from Sunrise was a pleasure. We look forward to our continued partnership with the Sunrise Association, and helping to support their important mission.”
To learn more about the Sunrise Association and its work, visit SunriseDayCamp.org.
