US Open Tennis Experience Winners Announced at 2014 Florida Awards

Former US Open Experience winner Cindy Harkins at the US Open

As part of the 65th USTA Florida Annual Meeting & Volunteer Celebration on Nov. 22-23, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, the winners were announced for the USTA Florida Section Foundation’s US Open Tennis Experience Raffle.

The Grand Prize, which included two tickets to the USTA President’s Box, round trip domestic airfare for two to New York and two nights hotel accommodation, complimentary US Open Bus transportation to USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, lunch in the President’s Dining Room, hospitality in the President’s Suite, and access to courtside seating in Louis Armstrong Stadium as well as Grandstand and all other courts, went to Linda Hudson of Tallahassee.

“I was thrilled to hear the news,” Hudson said. “I was happy to support the USTA Florida Section Foundation but never really expected to win. I am very excited. I’ve never been to the US Open and it is something I have wanted to do for years. My husband Ed and I are looking forward to seeing Arthur Ashe Stadium as well as the big stars on the court.”

Second Prize, which was two 2015 US Open courtside box seat tickets in Arthur Ashe Stadium, went to Sandi Pardon of Miami.

Third Prize, two 2015 Miami Open box seat tickets for the men’s or women’s finals, went to both Kyle LaCroix of Boca Raton and Erin Brahms of Naples.

Fourth Prize, which was two-nights stay at the Orlando Grand Hyatt Cypress Resort, went to Clark Higgs from Clearwater.

“On behalf of the Foundation Board, we extend our sincere thanks to all of the donors for the US Open Experience Fundraiser,” said USTA Florida Section Foundation President BJ Bishop. “Your generosity helps ensure that Floridians of all ages will be able to enjoy the lifetime sport of tennis while experiencing the benefits of healthy social, emotional, physical and educational development.”

With a mission of “Changing Lives through Tennis,” the Foundation provides grants for youth tennis programs, adaptive and wheelchair tennis programs for those with special needs, community tennis programs in economically challenged areas and facility assistance for public facilities.

For more information on the USTA Florida Section Foundation visit www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.