The Western Kenosha County Tennis Association completed its annual “Rally For Life” event July 26 and 27 at the Central High School Tennis Courts.
The 24-hour marathon started on Friday at 1 p.m. with a high school tournament and culminated on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. with a 11-14 year-old doubles tournament.
“This is the 6th year that our association has raised funds for the American Cancer Society and collected back-to-school items for the Sharing Center” said Bob Ferruzzi, president of the local association whose mission is to promote and support tennis for all ages and abilities in Western Kenosha County. “We are nearing the $20,000 mark in contributions from the start of the first rally in 2014. We are very proud that our players, coaches and families take an active part in supporting efforts within our community and using tennis as a key component in that process.”
Below are some highlights of the Rally:
- A grand total of $2,500 was raised and will be donated to the local Relay For Life Chapter.
- Cassi Cudahy, age 13, raised $750 all by herself. Cassi has been the association’s top contributor for the past five years.
- Over 250 people attended the event and many of those helped achieve the other goal of keeping a tennis ball going over the net for 24 hours in a row.
- Some new events this year included a “Challenge the Pro” Contest, a Celebrity Doubles session with local dignitaries and a Pickleball demonstration at 2 a.m. Between 3 and 4 a.m. approximately 45 people were still playing on the courts, thanks to some upbeat music and the cool weather.
- Four teenagers spent the entire 24 hours at the event and earned this year’s special recognition for their dedication to the cause: Colton Soto, Peyton Williamson, Jack Weis and Alexandra Wells. Numerous others completed 16 plus hours.
- The event also welcomed a few of the visiting French Students who have been here on the Summer exchange program through Central High School.
WKCTA wishes to thank its corporate and individual sponsors who participated and supported the 6th Annual Rally for Life. One hundred percent of the money collected is donated to the American Cancer Society. All of the expenses associated putting on the rally are either donated or funded by the association.
More information can be found at www.wkcta.com.
