Charity and the game

The Children’s Village (Dobbs Ferry, NY) Tournament, held annually at Fox Meadow, was now in its ninth year and the results had been fabulous. From $900 the first year to over $10,000 the previous year, money was donated to this worthy cause through a slew of sponsors, silent auctions, direct donations and the open hearts and wallets of the women’s platform tennis community.

Much of the credit for this best run/ most fun tourney went to Fox Meadow member Barbara Rau and her able colleagues Barb Lippe, Yvonne Robinson and Delsa Wilson.

There was an anonymous “Super Angel” who kicked in big bucks every year. Home Insurance Co. also received an angel designation, while Family Circle Magazine was a benefactor, and People’s Westchester Savings Bank and Hedstrom Corp. were Patrons. As noted in the Winter 1990 issue of PTN, “The list of donors and friends runs the length of the baseline. What it all adds up to is a platform tennis tournament that not only helps players’ games, but helps needy kids as well.”

The article added one other observation: “There’s some food for thought here. Platform can be a vehicle for lots of competitive action and warm friendships. But as these individuals have proven, its strength can be translated far beyond the bounds of the court itself. Next time you’re involved in organizing an event, at any level from club to county to region, think good will. Is there a way to tie platform to a community charity or organization? It benefits us all.”

Source: Platform Tennis News, Winter 1990