Raffle coordinator Betty Sanders and IronOaks Tennis Club President Judy Gahide raising money for Neighbors Who Care.
Denise Lott
IronOaks Tennis Club welcomed the New Year by inviting our neighboring communities to join them in a day of social tennis with potluck specialties. The weather was perfect as 80 club members and visitors got together to start the new tennis year with exercise and camaraderie. Our guests came from Robson Ranch in Casa Grande, Sun Lakes Country Club, Cottonwood, SunBird and Springfield.
The format consisted of three morning tennis blocks, with each player participating in two out of the three sessions. In between playing, there was lots of food to keep everyone occupied as they chatted on the patio.
One of the day’s focuses was to support our local Neighbors Who Care organization. Using a 50/50 raffle format, tickets brought in $400. Jeri Schultz was the big winner of $200. Then the IronOaks Tennis Club matched the remaining $200, so that our community members were able to provide Neighbors Who Care with a $400 donation.
After the drawing and lunch, more tennis play was available. There was a choice of a “three against three” fun format, or regular doubles, and many players quickly took to the courts again.
Event coordinator Denise Lott extends her appreciation for the support of a great team consisting of Don Neu, Judy Gahide, Bobbie Reed, Evan Hanson, Vivian Guimond, Mike and Carmella Davin and Betty Sanders. Through their efforts, 80 tennis players enjoyed a fun day of tennis.