Local families in need in the Panhandle community of Florida were the beneficiaries of the Toys for Tots charity tennis event, held by TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort in Miramar Beach on Dec. 12, 2014.
The round robin event drew 30 players who brought multiple toys for their tournament admission, with the Florida weather cooperating.
“It was a great afternoon of tennis with sunny skies and mid 60s temperatures, who could ask for anything better here in the Panhandle,” said TOPS’L Director of Tenni Joe D’Aleo. “We also had three Marines as our special guests that came dressed in their uniforms for the group photo, and to thank everyone for participating.”
The Marines were soon in tennis shorts joining in the round robin, which culmiated a week of collections that saw 150 toys and 10 bikes collected for needy families.
“I want to thank everyone for their support — this is one of my favorite charities during the year, to know that we were able to put a smile on a child’s face that might not have gotten a toy,” D’Aleo said.
TOPS’L is a frequent host of ROGY and Team Tennis Challenge events in the Panhandle area.
“I look forward to another great year in 2015 working with USPTA Florida and USTA Florida,” he says. “With young 10 and under players throughout the state it is more important to have fun than be competitive in the early stages of their tennis careers.”
