4.5 champions Jane Robinson and Michele Ironsmith
Pretty in Pink Charity Tennis Clears $12,000
More than $12,000 was raised in the recent Pretty in Pink Charity Tennis Tournament staged at Countryside Country Club in Clearwater. Proceeds from the women’s and mixed doubles competitions were directed to the Susan Cheek Needler Breast Center at Morton Plant Mease in Clearwater.
This was the seventh year of the fundraiser that was first offered in 2007 and has raised more than $90,000. Money raised assists the not-for-profit hospitals of Morton Plant Mease that provide screening, diagnostic and treatment for uninsured women through the Mammography Voucher program.
In all, four women’s divisions at the 4.5, 4.0, 3.5 and 3.0 NTRP levels and four in the mixed at 9.5, 8.5, 7.5 and 6.5 NTRP levels were directed by Countryside Tennis Director Jack Bailey. Tori DiSalvio was the overall director of the two-day event.
Bangladesh Bash on Dec. 6 to Benefit Orphanage
Next month, the Bangladesh Bash, a fun-filled mixed doubles event combined with a barbeque and prizes for many, will be held Dec. 6 at the Treasure Bay Tennis Club.
Beginning at 2 p.m, the mixed-up round robin will benefit an orphanage in Bangladesh through the Char Fasson Children’s Fund.
“I found the orphanage while on an extended trip to Asia,” said Lesley Siemens, registered nurse, child advocate and founder of the Fund. “While there, I decided to realize a lifelong dream of volunteering at a third world orphanage. This orphanage was trying to subsist on a $5,000 annual stipend from the government, which was not enough to support 70 kids, even in Bangladesh.
“I fell in love with the kids and knew that I had to do something to help so I came back and started the Char Fasson Children’s Fund. Our goal is to get the orphanage self sufficient and we are on our way.”
To learn more about the Bangladesh orphanage, visit www.charfassonchildrenfund.org; to register for the Dec. 6 event, email lesleysiemens@yahoo.com.
