(Photo by TJ Duffy)
Dylan Thomas Miller (photo by TJ Duffy)
TJ Duffy
“It was very informative to learn more about the University of Arizona Cancer Research Center. We are very fortunate to have this valuable resource in our community.” —Sharon Gartner, SaddleBrooke Tennis Club (STC) Director at Large
SaddleBrooke once again played host to a multi-faceted fundraising event in the fight against skin cancer. The event featured a robust silent auction, spirited and entertaining University of Arizona Women’s and Men’s Tennis Team warm-up drills, STC/Wildcat-am dubs, as well as snacks and beverages.
The silent auction highlighted a wide variety of enticing products and services, such as hair styling, automotive maintenance, spa services, tennis lessons, golf cart services, entertainment tickets, racket stringing, plus gift cards or vouchers for sumptuous eats. Here is a partial list of donors for this year’s event:
It’s Greek to Me
Pottery Fiesta
Golf Cars of AZ
Catalina Craft Pizza
Gaslight Music Hall
Bubb’s Grub—Catalina
U of A Biosphere 2
Debbie McGeehan
Red Lobster
REI Sporting Goods
SaddleBrooke One F&B
Trader Joe’s
U of A Women’s Asst. Coach Akilah James
Vivace—Northern Italian Cuisine
U of A Men’s Head Coach Clancy Shields
MEND Massage Skincare and Wellness
Gary Greenbaum
Liam Flynn
Tennis Cabana
Pat Maurer
SaddleBrooke TWO DesertView Performing Arts
Tortoise & The Hair Design Studio
U of A Men’s Asst. Coach Mateus Ceolin
U of A Skin Cancer Institute
SaddleBrooke TWO F&B At the Bistro
U of A Women’s Head Coach Ryan Stotland
OOROO Auto Care Anywhere
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
Hardin Bros Automotive
Jacki Smith (hairdresser)
Charred Pie Pizza Kitchen
U of A Women’s Volunteer Asst. Coach Jamie Schroer
Costco
Bottega Michelangelo
Joe Cucchiella
Flavor of India
Outback Steakhouse
Safeway Supermarkets
STC Tennis Pros
PGA Superstore
The Skin Cancer Institute (SCI) unites The University of Arizona Cancer Center’s many skin cancer research and prevention endeavors. Dylan Thomas Miller, Community Outreach Coordinator for SCI, explained, “Our mission is to prevent and cure skin cancer.” He went on to say, “Every dollar raised stays at the Cancer Center and is used for research, patient care, and community outreach.”
More than $1,600 was donated by STC members and their guests for joining the Wildcats on the courts for some thoroughly fun traditional and POP tennis doubles. Harlan Clare expressed his experience playing with and against the Wildcats: “This was the first time I participated in the skin cancer tennis event. Each partner and opponent that I played with was polite, courteous, and energetic. I could feel their competitiveness, especially when we were down. … I would recommend it to anyone, no matter what skill level they are, just for the joy of being with these players.” Chris Madsen chimed in, “I personally have done this event four times. Every time has been an absolute joy. The players are so friendly and welcoming.” Charlie Woodhouse added, “It was a pleasure to spend some quality time with a group of such pleasant, achievement-oriented people doing the thing we all love, tennis, linking the generations.” And, finally, from Debbie McGeehan, “STC members should consider this special opportunity next year to play on the court with the Wildcats!”
The annual event continues to grow with a total of over $6,100 raised for a cause that will help all of us, as well as generations to come, benefit from the cure and prevention of skin cancer.
By presenting the 5th Annual Skin Cancer Fundraiser event in the cozy atmosphere of the SaddleBrooke Tennis Center, STC continually projects its dedication to the health and enjoyment of all SaddleBrooke residents.