The brothers of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity will host their first annual “ATOpen” charity tennis tournament today and a semi-final round on Saturday, beginning
at 12 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center. Jay Bruhn, philanthropy chair, said the money raised for the event will go to support the Miracle League, a baseball league for special needs which is located in Birmingham. “I’ve been volunteering for the league in Birmingham for the past three years, working with autistic and handicapped kids,” Bruhn said. “After working with them, I wanted to raise enough money to help build a specialized field in Tuscaloosa, so it would be easier for them to play.” Will DeBell, the chapter chaplain, said the fraternity got the idea to host a tennis tournament after a similar successful fundraiser was held by the ATO chapter at Ole Miss. DeBell said 18 teams have registered to compete. “The first place winning team will receive two new tennis racquets, while second place will receive gift certificates to Academy Sports,“ DeBell Said. The tournament will include three divisions including Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles. “We will also be raffling off a gift certificate to The Shirt Shop and refreshments will be served,” Bruhn said. Both Bruhn and DeBell encourage the campus community to attend in order to help support this great cause.