OCTOBER 3, 2010
It’s no coincidence that “fundraising” would be impossible without a little “fun.”
In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), we celebrate the many platform tennis players who combine their commitment to worthy causes with their love of our sport. Playing platform tennis, of course, is fun, and it’s that much more gratifying when that fun supports a worthy cause.
Charitable platform tennis events take all forms. Some have existed for many years, and some are brand new. Most are traditional doubles play, but one newcomer has ventured into singles. There are elimination draws, round robins and marathons, with all age groups getting into the swing of things. Fundraisers range in size from enormous ranking tournaments to small social gatherings. You might bid for deluxe travel packages while sitting down to a sumptuous lunch, or receive nothing but the memory of a good time.
Regardless of how the event is organized, each fundraiser is a serious effort to bring players together for a common purpose of sharing our good fortune with others. There’s something special about these events, and we salute the generous platform tennis players who give of themselves in organizing and participating in them.
The events listed below are just the tip of the iceberg. If you run or participate in a platform tennis fundraiser, please let us know. We would love to share your story. |
Court the Cure
October 7
October 18
October 22
The Sally
October 27
October 30-31 | |
Court the Cure
October 1, 2010
Benefiting ENH Cancer Research
An outgrowth of the Chicago women’s league opening play day, Court the Cure was started by a group of players who are also survivors. With 100% of each participant’s entry fee going to support ENH Breast Cancer Research, the event has raised thousands of dollars. |
 Women’s Paddle Rally
Monday, October 18, 2010
Philadelphia, PA
Entry deadline Wednesday October 13, 2010
Details & Entry
The Women’s Paddle rally has raised over $120,000 for Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
Dear Paddle Friends,
We have been playing paddle…for a purpose…in October…for 13 years now. As Paddle Rally supporters, we are all dedicated to helping women cope with the struggles of breast cancer while having fun on the paddle courts.
Linda Dutton, Tournament Director |
 Rally for the Cure
October 22, 2010
Hartford, CT area clubs
For entry, contact Courtia Worth
Benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, through Rally for the Cure
Rally for the Cure® is a grassroots program that works to spread awareness about breast health and breast cancer in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Our mission is to empower people to join the fight against breast cancer by educating their friends, family and community on the importance of early detection through an activity they are passionate about. Information on organizing a Rally for the Cure event in your area. |
 The Sally
October 27, 2010
Scarsdale, NY
Benefting The Children's Village
“The Sally” is an annual platform tennis tournament held at Fox Meadow Tennis Club in Scarsdale to benefit The Children's Village, Westchester County’s only shelter for homeless teens. The event is named after Sally Rogers, a long-time volunteer at The Children’s Village, an avid paddler, and a past president of Fox Meadow. |
 The Shore Cure
October 30-31, 2010
Middletown. NJ
Details & Entry
Founded in 2010, The SHORE CURE is focusing its charitable efforts on two local foundations: The Wellness Community – The Diney Goldsmith Center and The Cristine Meredith Miele Foundation
Both charities were inspired by cancer prevention and treatment and the experiences of the individual and the family in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. The SHORE CURE is committed to uniting its community, celebrating the lives of loved ones, raising funds for cancer awareness, treatment, and support, and creating an annual event that brings our community together. |
 Chicago Platform Tennis Charities
November 5-8, 2010
Chicago Area Clubs
Details & Entry
This year proceeds benefit the Ted Fund.
The Charities is well known as one of the largest National Ranking tournaments. It includes four separate tournaments hosting several hundred players. It is also a significant fundraiser, having raised many thousands of dollars for a wides variety of charities over the years. |
 Wellsy Open Paddle Marathon
December
Winston-Salem, NC
Benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Wellsy Open was inspired by 9 year old Wells Clark, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) at two weeks of age. Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. Eighty-one players of all types participated in this innagural 37 hour marathon. |
 The SIS Ladies Paddle Tournament
February
Rochester, NY
Benefits Sustain-Inspire-Survive
The tournament raises money for women struggling financially while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. SIS was founded in 2005 by breast cancer survivor Andrea Caruso. It is a local, grassroots organization, so participants know that all the money raised goes to work in Rochester, and contributions for the tournament and auction come from all corners of the city. In 2010 alone, an astonishing 96 teams participated, raising over $17,000. |
 Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care Mixed Tournament
January/February
Bronxville, NY
Benefitting Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care
This tournament has been pulling out the stops for over 15 years and as a result has raised many thousands of dollars for its beneficiary. It is a large mixed tournament followed by a fabulous party and silent auction. Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care provides compassionate support and services to the terminally ill. |
 Starlight Singles Championship
March
Chicago area clubs
Benefiting Starlight Children's Foundation
Last spring Louis Jacobsohn and Nat Parsons put on a benefit that brought a group of men and women onto the courts for their first time playing a singles competition. The event was at the same time a benefit for the Starlight Children's Fondation. Starlight brings together experts from pediatric health care, technology and entertainment to create programs that educate, entertain and inspire seriously ill children. |
