June 8, 2012. Yonahlossee Racquet Club’s 10 tennis courts will be humming the weekend of June 23 and 24 when six area racquet clubs assemble to mix fun with philanthropy. The benefactor will be Grandfather Home for Children in Banner Elk. Grandfather Home ministers to children and families who have been hurt through abuse or neglect.
Because of its exemplary mission of love and healing, it has long been a favored destination for charitable giving by area racquet clubs (individuals and communities) when once a year “Grandparents’ Clubs” seek donations from members and award sums to the organization.
Grandfather Home is rapidly becoming more than a once-a-year enterprise at Yonahlosee. Tennis Pro, Bryan Dirk, has a special fondness for children’s programs and the Grandfather Home Champion’s Challenge is only one of several events planned this year, but it is decidedly the most ambitious. Participating are six teams of eight tennis players from Yonahlossee, Grandfather Golf and Country Club, Hound Ears, Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock Country Club and Deer Valley.
A unique format exemplifies the community nature of the tournament. Each club pro brings players, ranked in experience and ability. Teams are formed using a player from each club and a player of each rank. Competition is, thus, a whole-team endeavor – an arrangement designed for fun and competition.
Funds are raised by four different means: tournament sponsorships, player entry fees, spectator donations and a raffle. Raffle items include: a package of five lessons – one from each club pro (Bryan Dirk, Paul Goode, Frank Morrison, Tim Smith and Aaron Peterson), a case of fine wine and a framed Kevin Beck Remarque of Grandfather Mountain. Saturday night players and guests are invited to a luau at the Yonahlosee Racquet Club pool. On Sunday, players are treated to a linen-tablecloth brunch, where awards and prizes will be presented. All proceeds will benefit Grandfather Home for Children.
For more information on the tournament, please contact Bryan Dirk at tennispro@yonahlosseeclub.com or at 828-963-1800.
For more information on Grandfather Home for Children, please contact Erin Carter at e.carter@grandfatherhome.org or at 828-898-5465.
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