Tennis event to net money for scholarships

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Two of Rob Hendrickson’s greatest passions are tennis and Take Stock in Children of Manatee County. 

The Lakewood Ranch resident got involved with Take Stock in Children a little more than two years ago and served as both a mentor and a member of the organization’s leadership council. Nine months ago, Hendrickson and his wife, Pam, began discussing ways to drum up support for Take Stock in Children. 

That’s when Hendrickson came up with the idea for the Take Stock in Children Tennis Festival. The event will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, at the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center, 8488 Legacy Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.

For every dollar raised, Take Stock in Children of Manatee County will get matching dollars from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation to provide scholarships for Take Stock in Children of Manatee County students. 

During the event, children and adults of all ages can participate in a variety of side court activities from noon to 4 p.m., including cardio tennis, Play-with-a-Pro doubles, USTA 10-and-under tennis, singles strategy, serving, racket demonstrations and more. There will also be a court dedicated to individuals who are picking up a racket for the first time. Tennis professionals from area clubs will be on hand to provide lessons and tips. 

“It’s a way to experience any and all aspects of the game,” Hendrickson says. “It’s a celebration of the game and everything it stands for. We just want it to be an amazing day and lay the foundation for future years.” 

Local rising junior tennis stars Sydney Sforzo and Alana Sherman will compete at 1:30 p.m., followed by Pros versus Prodigies matches between Longboat Key Club head professional Claudiu Reattan and IMG Academy student J.P. Fujiwara and local professional Tomasz Borucki and IMG student Arthur Fonseca. 

At 4 p.m., guests are invited to watch the Legends Exhibition doubles match between Jimmy Arias and Harvest United Methodist Church co-pastor Steve Price versus Mikael Pernfors and River Strand tennis professional Nate Griffin. Arias and Perfors both were formerly ranked in the top 10 in the world. 

Harvest has been a sponsor for Take Stock in Children of Manatee County for a number of years, having held a prayer breakfast in the community and dedicating half of its Christmas offering to Take Stock. So far, the church has provided scholarships for two students and also has had several members of the congregation serve as mentors. 

“I felt like it was a great fit for me,” Price says. “It’s going to be a great day for folks who enjoy tennis or want to experience it a little bit. I’m looking forward to doing this for Take Stock. That’s going to be my greatest thrill.” 

In addition to tennis matches and activities, guests can enjoy a VIP lounge, kids area, food and drink, a silent auction and a casual cocktail party with live music. 

“We’re hoping to attract more than just tennis players,” Hendrickson says. “It’s a great event for kids and those looking for a fun day out.” 

 Cost is $10 for general admission or $50 for VIP admission, which includes access to the VIP lounge, free food and drink, photos with the legends and front row seating. Children 12 and under are free. 

For more information and to buy tickets, visit tennisfestival.org. For more information on Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, visit takestockmanatee.org. 

“It’s a way to experience any and all aspects of the game. It’s a celebration of the game and everything it stands for. – Rob Hendrickson,festival organizer