Tennis Benefits The Cancer Center for Kids
On Oct. 1, members from the Garden City Casino hosted a tennis match against the Cold Spring Valley Tennis Club. The two clubs have been playing in similar “interclub” matches for many years to raise funds for Charlie’s Champions Foundation and the United Way of Long Island. Charlie’s Champions was established by Garden City residents Tara and John Schmitt in the name of their son, Charlie who is currently being treated for Leukemia. The mission of the foundation is to raise awareness and funds to benefit the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop University Hospital. The United Way of Long Island, together with its community partners, advances the common good by investing in and developing programs that address Long Islander’s critical needs in education, income/financial stability and health.
Despite forecasts calling for rain, the weather cooperated, and all 16 matches were played, including men’s senior doubles, mixed-doubles, women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and a pro-am competition. All 16 matches played were hard fought and eight of them went to three sets.
Cold Spring Valley Tennis Club was fortunate enough to win 10 of these matches, but the score was secondary in everyone’s mind. The approximate $11,000 that was raised and the good times shared by all in attendance were far more important than everything else. The USTA and the USPTA partnered with the clubs and donated many gifts and tennis balls.
“It was a great day,” said Bill Mecca, USTA/Eastern-Long Island Representative. “Doing good by having fun and getting healthy exercise is a bonus for everyone.”
The process of putting the tournament and draw together begins six months prior to the event. Both team captains try their best to match each players’ abilities to ensure a competitive club match. The challenge series is a yearly highlight for all club members. There are many mother-daughter and father-son teams that are now competing and assisting in operations of the day-long charity event, such as sweeping the clay courts after every match, serving food and beverages during the reception, and most importantly, filling in if there’s an injury or last-minute cancellation. The event continues to grow each year and there are already children and grandchildren of both clubs looking forward to the 2012 matches because they will be of age to participate in this prestigious event.
