July 25, 2014-Vero Beach, Fl- 40 children were given the opportunity to enjoy a week full of tennis, fitness, fun and nutrition education in thanks to a collaborative community effort. With a generous financial contribution from Vin Ryan and Carla Meyer, logistical support from the Homeless Family Center and on-site teaching from the tennis professionals of the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation, the week of summer tennis camp for kids at the Family Homeless Shelter was a great success. The week of Camp took place at the Boulevard Tennis Center, where they donated their courts and space.
“It truly takes a village” said Tom Fish, president of the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation, “or in our case, the community of Vero Beach”. In addition to Ryan, Meyer, the Homeless Family Center and the tennis professionals, MFCF also received support from Kidz Closet Charities for a tennis shoe and sock donation, as well as Publix and the Boulevard Tennis Center.
“We are thrilled to have had this opportunity for our children to be afforded this unique experience” said Mary Ellen Maguire, Executive Director of Homeless Family Center. The camp has been an opportunity that our children may not otherwise have had if it weren’t for this type of community spirit.” Camp not only benefited these 40 children, but also their parents. The parents of the homeless children were grateful because the camp has given them the opportunity to job hunt, pursue educational opportunities and have a break to run errands, etc.
Director of Tennis for MFCF, Alison Mays, said the kids were “elated” to be on the courts. “Many have never touched a racquet or had any type of personalized coaching. Our staff of USPTA certified tennis pros were equally thrilled for the opportunity to work with such a great group of kids who appreciated their opportunity to its fullest.” Said Mays.
Mardy Fish is a top-ranked U.S. tennis professional dedicated to supporting the youth in his hometown of Vero Beach, FL. Started in 2007, the non-profit Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation currently supports over 2100 children in 13 elementary schools and four middle schools in Indian River County, FL by providing after-school exercise, nutritional and enrichment programs in a safe environment to prepare them for healthy, productive and successful lives. The Foundation introduced the “Six Healthy Habits” in 2012 which are Get Sleep; Drink Water; Exercise Daily, Eat Healthy; Brush and Floss; Make Friends.”
For more information on the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation or any of our Kids on Courts tennis programs visit, www.mffkids.org or contact Director of Tennis, Alison Mays at Alison@mffkids.org
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