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Tennis tourney to raise funds for FGCU veterans students

By Staff | Dec 11, 2018

PHOTOS PROVIDED The Sterling Oaks community in Naples, in conjunction with the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, will host an open tennis tournament and military appreciation day on Jan. 26.

The Sterling Oaks community in Naples will host an open tennis tournament and military appreciation day in conjunction with the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation on Jan. 26 starting at 1 p.m.

The tourney is recruiting 96 players at all levels to battle for the grand prize trophy. Each player will represent their chosen branch of the military – Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force or Coast Guard. Format will be men’s doubles and women’s doubles.

All of the proceeds will be donated to the foundation and matched dollar-for-dollar by the state to benefit Southwest Florida veterans who are students at FGCU and are first generation in their families to pursue a college degree. Last year, more than $28,000 was raised to enable six scholarships and continued contributions to the legacy endowment fund.

A patriotic opening ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. under the direction of Navy Cmdr. Douglas B. Quelch of the Lee Coast Chapter of MOAA – Military Officers Association of America. Representing the five military branches and carrying their respective flags, the teams will be led by: Air Force Technical Sgt. Mary Bondurant, Army Maj. Brigitte Belanger, Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Terry Robertson and Navy Rear Ad. Roger Triftshauer. A Marine is still being sought to lead the team players.

The Palmetto Ridge Color Guard will present the colors and the FGCU recipients will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. While a vocalist from FGCU sings “America,” a box of live butterflies purchased by participants and spectators at $5 each in recognition of family and friends who have served or are serving in the U.S. military will be released. Following the award of the trophy, there is a “celebration” party beginning at 5:30 p.m. with food and entertainment. Reservations are required.

PHOTOS PROVIDED The Sterling Oaks community in Naples, in conjunction with the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, will host an open tennis tournament and military appreciation day on Jan. 26.

Donation to play is $100 per player, which includes shirt, hat and after party.

In additions, donations can be made directly to the Sterling Oaks Legacy by making checks payable to the FGCU Foundation and mailed to Sterling Oaks, 822 Sterling Oaks Blvd., Naples, Florida 34110.

For more information or to register, visit www.TheClubAtSterlingOaks.com/BattleOfTheBranches or contact the Tennis Pro Shop at 239-566-1800 or the Club Office at 239-566-1575.

PHOTOS PROVIDED The Sterling Oaks community in Naples, in conjunction with the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, will host an open tennis tournament and military appreciation day on Jan. 26.

PHOTOS PROVIDED The Sterling Oaks community in Naples, in conjunction with the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, will host an open tennis tournament and military appreciation day on Jan. 26.

PHOTOS PROVIDED The Sterling Oaks community in Naples, in conjunction with the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, will host an open tennis tournament and military appreciation day on Jan. 26.