TJ Duffy
The SaddleBrooke Tennis Club played host to a multifaceted fundraising event for the Skin Cancer Institute (SCI) which unites The University of Arizona Cancer Center’s many skin cancer prevention endeavors, bringing together innovative research, clinical care, education and community outreach. Denise Spartonos, Community Outreach Coordinator for SCI, explained, “Our mission is to prevent and cure skin cancer; in the last couple of years there have been some great advances in the treatment of melanoma, which is the more serious form of skin cancer and can be deadly.” “Patients are living longer and higher quality lives.” She went on to say, “Every dollar raised stays at the Cancer Center and is used for research, patient care and community outreach.”
As if the SCI fundraiser was not enough, the University of Arizona Wildcats Men’s Tennis Team, led by their new head coach Clancy Shields, made another memorable visit to the Tennis Center. After brief comments by Coach Shields and player introductions by the student-athletes, the Wildcats took to courts five and six for a spirited and thoroughly entertaining warm-up. “We’re excited to visit the SaddleBrooke community, to let them know what we’re doing at the University of Arizona and to let them get to know our players on an intimate level,” Clancy said.
What happened next? The Wildcats joined a dozen STC members on the courts for an hour of doubles and drills. Even though the STC boasts a substantial number of excellent tennis players, taking the courts with Division I collegiate players sounds intimidating, if not downright scary! Not to worry, these tennis ambassadors were perfect gentlemen as they ran down tennis balls all over the courts, were quick to applaud good shots and great effort by their STC partners as well as their opponents. Everyone, including the gallery of spectators, had a fantastic day!
Now, back to the fundraiser that almost didn’t take place. The event, which was to include both the University of Arizona Women’s and Men’s Tennis Teams, was originally scheduled for the previous Saturday, but the weatherman brought in a major storm system to thwart the effort. So, the decision was made to try to reschedule. Almost miraculously, Coach Shields committed to bring his entire team, Denise Spartonos was able to adjust her calendar and the STC family came together to pull off a winner; over $2,000 was raised for skin cancer research!
STC provided event spectators with bagels/cream cheese, rolled sandwiches, water, soft drinks and hot spiced cider, all of which were served by STC volunteers; donations were happily offered and eagerly accepted. Additionally, donations were accepted from STC members for: joining the Wildcats on the courts, bidding on a host of silent auction items and for a wine raffle.
The SaddleBrooke Tennis Club brings a dynamic quality to community events in supporting charitable endeavors as well as the University of Arizona Tennis program. STC is truly dedicated to the health and enjoyment of all SaddleBrooke residents.