Serving back and forth for 24 hours

Incoming Westosha Central senior Lucas Graveley along with recent graduate George Capelli expect to participate in the 24-hour Rally for Life tennis event at the school (Submitted/The Report).
Incoming Westosha Central senior Lucas Graveley along with recent graduate George Capelli expect to participate in the 24-hour Rally for Life tennis event at the school (Submitted/The Report).

Tennis group looks to benefit two area organizations in third annual event

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Tennis for 24 straight hours, all to benefit the American Cancer Society of Kenosha County and Trevor’s Sharing Center, is slated for the third annual Rally for Life.

The event, scheduled July 29 and 30 at Westosha Central High School, is an idea the Western Kenosha County Tennis Association spun off from Relay for Life.

The hosting organization is seeking more corporate sponsors for the third annual event.

Last year, WKCTA met its objective, raising about $2,500 for both organizations, according to board member and co-founder Kathy Christenson.

“This year we’d like to exceed it, we always target $2,500,” Christenson said. “The first year was kind of slow, but after getting more support, we finally met it last year.”

WKCTA, a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, believes in helping others in the community.

Christenson said the WKCTA board of five members chose the American Cancer Society and Sharing Center, citing personal involvement.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to the community,” Christenson said. “We have some members of the board who find the Cancer Society very near and dear to their hearts while I do a lot for the Sharing Center.”

Proceeds received by the Sharing Center go towards the annual back to school drive, which collects school supplies for low-income children in Western Kenosha County.

Along with $100 corporate sponsorships, about 200 members of the summer tennis program collect donations, Christenson said.

However, not all 200 take part in the specific event, she said.

“We have about 200 participants in the summer program, but not all of them do the Rally for Life, either due to vacations or other commitments,” said Christenson, who noted about 150 total came together last year, playing at different points of the 24-hour rally.

Additionally, Christenson said, multiple former and current Westosha Central players return to the Falcons tennis court, often staying for all 24 hours.

One member who contributes is recent Westosha Central graduate George Capelli, who serves as a summer coach for the program, and plans to spend the night at the school to help.

Capelli said coaches bring campers or sleeping bags and tents.

Capelli reported there are several benefits to pitching in, stating it bolsters community unity and is also something families can enjoy.

“The tennis community gets together for 24 hours to raise awareness for cancer,” Capelli said. “A lot of guys and girls from the tennis team come … at one point last year, there was about 40 of us.”

“Last year, I went with my dad (Joe) for a little bit, played doubles and was a great time,” he added.

Capelli established a remarkable career with the Falcons, winning a Southern Lakes Conference doubles title three times with Lucas Graveley, who is likely to pitch in, Capelli said.

While Capelli and the rest of the participants prepare for Rally for Life, Christenson said the organization looks to add more corporate sponsors.

For companies looking to add their name to the Rally for Life banner, Christenson recommends contacting Board President Bob Feruzzi directly at (262) 358-1741, due to the short time frame.

For registration and other forms, visit www.wkcta.com/rallyforlife.htm.

The event kicks off 1 p.m. Friday, concluding at 1 p.m. the next day.

 
Rally for Life, Westosha Central High School

Friday, July 29
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: High School Camp Tournament (automatic enrollment for those registered in the July 25-29 camp)
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Tennis Activities/Games for Children 4-14
8 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Doubles Championship Tournament (Open to all high school aged players and adults)
10 p.m. to 12 a.m.: 31 Doubles Tournament (Open to all high school aged players and adults)

Saturday, July 30
Midnight to 7 a.m.: Midnight Alumni Tournament (Past/Present Tennis players from area schools)
7 a.m. to 9 a.m.: Adult Tennis Clinic hosted by professional Randy Digman, open for 18 and older, register online or at door for $25.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: 10 and Under and Junior (11-14) Tournament: Showcase Tournament between WKCTA and Racine Tennis Associations.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: BBQ Cookout with Pat and Ron’s Hot Dogs.


Posted

in

,

by

Tags:

Comments

One response to “Serving back and forth for 24 hours”

  1. Kathy Christenson Avatar

    Thank you Jason for a great article, we hope to see you at the event.