There was an air of excitement at the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation Charity Golf Tournament last Tuesday that extended even beyond the exhilaration of playing a round of golf at the challenging Windsor golf course.
At a press conference at The Boulevard Tennis Club the day before, it was announced that the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation has taken over management and will be the beneficiary of proceeds from the Vero Beach USTA Futures Tennis Tournament, previously managed by Vero Beach tennis professional Mike Rahaley.
“I’m excited and honored that we could have a tournament of this level going to the foundation,” said Mardy Fish, a former top 10 tennis star and 2004 Olympic silver medalist.
“I remember going to it when I was young and then I played in it in about 2000 or 2001. It’s always been a great event. Every player has to go through the futures level to get to the top.”
Although he resides in California with wife Stacey and 2-year-old son Beckett, he maintains his involvement as president of the foundation through his parents, Tom and Sally Fish, adding, “My dad has taken it on as his baby; he’s the head honcho. But they always keep me apprised of everything they’re doing.”
“We’re working hard at helping more kids in the community with their fitness and health programs,” said MFCF chairman Tom Fish. “Now when you come to the tournament you’re going to be supporting the children of Indian River County.”
“The thing we’re excited about is that there will be so much more awareness through the name of the tournament,” said Randy Walker, who will be co-tournament director with Tom Fish for the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation Tennis Championship which runs April 22 to May 1. “As a philanthropic endeavor, everybody will know that they’re giving back to the community when they support the tournament.”
Founded in 2007, the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation offers after-school exercise, nutritional and enrichment programs to more than 2,100 children in 15 elementary schools, six middle schools and through several nonprofit agencies to help children understand the importance of health and fitness in their lives.
“There is a wonderful energy at events like these. It goes back nine years when the Fish family determined that children had a need, and they are fulfilling that need,” said Windsor resident and MFCF board member Joe Pappalardo.
“Through the funds we are working to raise, direct help will be given to kids to bring health, fitness and nutrition programs to all kids throughout our community, but especially those at highest risk.”
Commenting that children need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day, Pappalardo noted there is an ever widening gap in physical education at the school level due to a lack of resources. They hope to grow their partnership with the Indian River County School District and have met with School Superintendent Mark Rendell to explore additional ways to deliver programs to the growing population of children in need.
“I love that they’re serving all youth in Indian River County. They’re channeling the six healthy habits through the discipline of tennis,” said Windsor resident and board member Erin Reicher, referencing Mardy’s Six Healthy Habits: Get sleep, drink water, exercise daily, eat healthy, brush and floss, and make friends.
“It’s a lifetime sport and something they can do with their family and friends. I feel really honored to be part of the foundation and to be able to give back to the community.”
“By helping our children you’re investing in all of our futures; not just the children’s,” said Tom Fish, thanking golf tournament participants, sponsors and board members.
