Tampa Tennis Blog: Frenchy’s Raises Money; City Championships Coming

Frenchy’s Gumbo Tennis Classic Raises Money, Crowns Champions

The 22nd Annual Frenchy’s Gumbo Tennis Classic surpassed years past in number of players, matches played and money raised for its benefactor Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County.

The brainchild of Michael “Frenchy” Preston, owner of Frenchy’s restaurants on Clearwater Beach and the Dunedin Causeway and a former Big Brother, the tournament hosted over 270 players that competed in 231 matches and raised over $40,000!

“The funds raised will help our agency recruit and match more at-risk children with adult mentors,” said Dawn Kuhn, director of development for BBBS. “Our mentoring programs lead to children building greater self-confidence, achieving academic success and, ultimately, instilling better decision-making skills.”

Competing were 45 women’s doubles teams, 65 men’s and 48 mixed over a three-day period at Clearwater’s Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex. Team winners were named in five mixed NTRP divisions, five in women’s and four in men’s.

Tampa City Championships in January

Players should begin preparing now for the Tampa City Championships to be staged at the Tampa Tennis Complex.

Directed by Tennis Director Kevin Brundle, the adult competition is Jan. 11-12, 2015 in men’s and women’s singles and doubles and mixed in 3.0 and 4.0 NTRP divisions.

The Junior Club Championships are scheduled Jan. 10-11 in 10-and-under with orange balls, 12s with green dot balls and boys and girls singles and doubles in the 14s and 16s age divisions.

For more information, contact Brundle at (813) 348-1173 or Kevin@tampatennis.net.
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