Key tennis event supports SMH Breast Health Center

When Eve Wickwire and a committee of women decided to organize a charitable tennis event at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center two years ago, they had modest expectations. So, they were a little shocked when they ended up having to sit out of playing in their own event because they had so many participants.

“We were pleasantly surprised and grateful for the support of the community,” said Wickwire.

The inaugural event had more than 40 participants and raised $4,000. After taking a year off for the Public Tennis Center’s 10th anniversary in 2010, the Breast Cancer Awareness Women’s Round Robin is back this year.

The round-robin tennis event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at the Public Tennis Center, 590 Bay Isles Road. As many as 80 women will participate in two different round-robin sessions, with refreshments offered between sessions, as well as drawings for raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Breast Health Center.

The tournament is open to all women, and the entry fee is $50. The deadline for registration is March 10.

Sponsorships are available for $100 for corporate and individual “hero” sponsors.

“We all know someone who has been touched by this disease,” says round-robin committee member Laurin Goldner. “We want to make things better for the next generation.”

Call Wickwire at 552-8626 or Patti Ostroski at 383-0123 for information.