There are many tennis tournaments that are held not only in the spirit of competition, but as a way for tennis enthusiasts to give
back to their community. As a rule, 100 percent of the tournament fees are given to charity. As a tennis professional, I’ve felt it was part of my job to put together these tourn-aments to help children under-stand there are those in the world who are less fortunate. First off this season was the American Idol Tournament on May 16, which benefited Malaria No More and the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware. Malaria no more is an idol charity and provides bed nets that prevent malaria transmission from mosquitoes. The Ronald McDonald House aims to help families with sick children. The one most widely known provides lodging for families within walking distance of where their child is receiving treatment. We have a silent auction of items donated by local businesses. Last year, year Grotto Pizza donated 25 pizzas and Seaschell Entertainment provided the music. The Wounded Warrior Tournament is slated for May 30. This event benefits soldiers who are coming home from war and staying at Walter Reed Army Hospital. It provides backpacks containing items such as walkmans, stationary, etc. Shoes of Hope will be held at Bayside Golf Resort in Fenwick Island on June 27. The event aims to raise awareness of the 300 million children who wake every day with no shoes.
In September, we will have a tournament benefiting The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation. Last October we held The Boo Bash at Kings Creek Country Club, where kids and adults came out and played in their costumes. Everyone brought canned food and packaged goods for local food banks and pantries. Lauren Meoli and I both came as Elvis and I sang Suspicious Minds again for the crowd of close to 50. The Turkey Bowl in November also raised food for local needy families.