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Florida Tennis Organization Partners With Climb for Cancer

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., June 26, 2008 -– USTA Florida today announced that its 59th Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Weekend in Clearwater, Dec. 5-7, 2008, will feature an Inaugural Pro-Am Tennis Event presented by the Climb for Cancer Foundation and USTA Florida Section Foundation. The two charitable foundations will join together at the beautiful Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club for a weekend of fundraising activities benefiting cancer research, patient support and quality tennis opportunities for all Floridians. MaliVai Washington and Tom Gullikson are among the many tennis superstars to play in the Pro-Am Tennis Event.

“The USTA Florida Section Foundation is thrilled to partner with the Climb for Cancer Foundation,” said Jean Mills, USTA Florida Section Foundation president. “This partnership unites the community through a spectacular Tennis Pro Am, live and silent auctions, and dinner to benefit two worthy causes.”

The Climb for Cancer Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation whose mission is to fund leading edge research for cancer treatment, while supporting and encouraging those who need treatment now. In support of this mission, funds raised will benefit the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, a National Cancer Comprehensive Cancer Center in Tampa, and other cancer centers in Florida, to aid in the development of both treatments and cures for all types of cancer, and to help provide support services for cancer patients and their families.

“The Climb for Cancer Foundation is very excited about this opportunity,” said Dianne Farb, vice president and co-founder of the Foundation. “USTA Florida volunteers are a dedicated group of people, and teaming up with them for this event is a win-win for everyone.”

Since its inception in 2004, the USTA Florida Section Foundation has donated $36,000 in grants over the past three years to other charitable organizations that offer tennis programming for children and adults. The foundation provides funding to operate youth tennis programs and adaptive tennis programs for all ages and for building, renovating and maintaining public tennis courts. Funds collected from the Pro-Am Tennis Event and auction will continue to support community tennis projects in Florida.

“This unique event gives everyone the opportunity to “give back” while watching fabulous tennis and meeting new friends,” Mills said. “The goal is to raise substantial funds to conquer cancer together and improve the quality of life of Floridians through tennis.”

Community involvement is essential to the success of the weekend through attendance, sponsorships and generous donations. Save the date for a weekend of fun with great tennis professionals and together, let’s conquer cancer! For more information, contact Linda Curtis, USTA Florida director of community development at 386-671-8934 or curtisL@florida.usta.com or Dianne Farb, vice president, Climb for Cancer at 352-333-9663 or dianne@cfc-foundation.org.

Posted on June 26, 2008
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