TRFK, Inc. Helps Start Tennis Program in Highland Falls, NY

Thirty racquets were donated to Pam Deans who is the coach of the boys and girls varsity tennis teams at James I. O'Neil High School in Highland Falls, NY. Highland Falls is located just outside of West Point. The community has a unique situation since 93% of its land is owned by West Point, which is government property, and hence only 7% of the land in the school district is taxable. The Highland Falls/Fort Montgomery School District always struggles with federal funding issues. The budget was voted down last academic year due to a 13% tax increase, and the tennis program was cut from the school budget. Fortunately, since there were many dedicated team members and parents, fundraising efforts resulted in getting the program reinstated for the year. A subsequent budget did pass, and the tennis program for this upcoming school year was reinstated. Many of the families in the school district are low income and there are approximately 21% of the students that are eligible for free and reduced lunches. So, there are many students who work hard to earn college scholarships to assist them with their college education, through academics as well as through sports programs.

Pam feels that it is important for staff and parents to continue efforts so that athletes can participate and achieve their goals. She is setting up a program for both the elementary and intermediate school, to promote tennis in the physical education classes. She will also be conducting an afterschool program one day a week at the elementary school to introduce students to tennis and to encourage them to participate in a healthy activity. Kudos to Pam for being a student and community advocate!!

Tennis Racquets Donated to Kenya

Twenty racquets were donated to Craig Bell, the tennis director at the Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas, TX. Craig coordinated a collection of tennis equipment to send to the Victoria Tennis Programmes and Academy-Kenya. This is a community project, which is run by the Amani Na Upendo Development Group, a community-based charitable organization aimed at promoting sports (mostly tennis) and education among disadvantaged children from poor backgrounds. TRFK, Inc. was originally contacted about this endeavor by Collins Agwanda from Kisumu.

Derek Raskoph Holds Tennis Racquet Drive on Behalf of Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc.

Derek Raskoph, from Manhattan, NY continued in his older brother's footsteps, and conducted a tennis racquet drive of his own on Eastern Long Island. Derek collected 57 tennis racquets, and 28 tennis racquet cases for Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. We deeply appreciate Derek's initiative and perserverance. His efforts will bring a smile to many children's faces. We look forward to a continued friendship with Derek and wish him the best of luck as he continues to compete in junior USTA tournaments.

Citations Awarded by the Nassau County Executive

Paige and Zachary Mintz, cofounders of Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. received citations from Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, both individually, and on behalf of their nonprofit organization. The citations were awarded in recognition of their tennis racquet donation to the Nassau County Department of Parks and Recreation. Zachary was present to accept his award, and Emily Mintz, his ten-year old sister accepted on Paige's behalf, as she was attending her freshman orientation at Cornell University.

Racquets Donated to the Nassau County Department of Parks and Recreation

Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. was happy to donate 137 tennis racquets to the Nassau County Parks and Recreation Department for their summer recreation program. The racquets were distributed to participants in the program on Quick Start Tennis Day, which was cosponsored by the Eastern Section of the United States Tennis Association.

Racquets Donated to Children in Jamaica

Sixteen tennis racquets were donated to children in Jamaica via tennis coach Maurice Trail, from Advantage Tennis in Long, Island NY. Maurice visited his homeland Jamaica, and set up a freee skills clinic for some of the children there. He transported the racquets with him on the plane, when he travelled.

Tennis Racquets Reach Gambia

It was great to hear from our friend Kojo, who previously drove to Long Island from Pennsylvania to pick up some tennis racquets for the Gambia Youth Tennis Program sponsored by the GTA (Gambia Tennis Association). Kojo sent us pictures of the presentation ceremony of the racquets to the GTA.

Koho stated that "This donation will go a long way in enhancing the quality of the program and providing the kids quality racquets to compete. It is my hope that this initial donation would begin a long term partnership between the GTA and Racquet for Kids."

The link below is a press release by the GTA which was published in the local papers.

http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/racquet-for-kids-donates-tennis-racquets-to-gta