Sometimes, giving back can be not only gratifying and soul-enriching – but it can also be a form of exceptional cardio exercise. Enter, the Food Bank of South Jersey’s 2nd Annual Tennis Tournament at Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club.

In a few days, on October 17th, 2009, the Food Bank of South Jersey will hold its 2nd annual tennis tournament dedicated to the memory of Stanley L. Wang, a Food Bank supporter and avid tennis player who lost his life in a bicycle accident in June 2008, a month before his full retirement from Comcast. In one fell swoop, the Food Bank of South Jersey – and those who support it – will honor a great man and also help to create the availability of food for those who desperately need our help.

Of course, donations of food and funds are always required to keep a food bank running on all cylinders, but there’s no reason being generous with time and donations has to be devoid of fun and enjoyment. There are many ways to help eradicate the food insecurity through which so many South Jerseyans struggle.

On that day of tennis play, for a few hours, players will pick up racquets, and will serve, volley, and score until their heart’s content. There will be laughter, there will be playfulness, but there will be a sense of a greater good. For each time a racquet swings, and the players follow through on their stroke, they will be following through on their commitment to making our world a better place. Sure, there will be competition; tennis is a sport. But the day is not about who wins a game or a set– instead the day will encompass the winning feeling that comes from helping another South Jerseyan in need. It will be defined as a match won against hunger.

It’s evident through this that giving comes in all forms. You can volunteer your time to help service the 101,000 residents battling hunger each and every day. You can mail in a monetary donation. You can bring food supplies to the food bank for delivery to a home that needs it. You can tell a friend about the statistics on hunger you learn about on this website and through this blog. And, yes, you can even play a game of tennis to help fill the stomachs of men, women and children all over our area.

When the evening comes to a close, and the racquets replaced snugly into their covers, the lights turned out on the court is when a brighter light will shine. That new light is a beacon of hope that each person who participated has illuminated for someone who didn’t know from where their next meal would come. That light is the glow you radiate when you know you’ve helped to be part of the solution to hunger. That light is a fire that burns in all of us to do something for those who cannot do for themselves. The best part is the flames can spread like wildfire- igniting the passion in others we’ll meet, so they, too, can find their way to making a difference.

Event Details and Registration
When: Saturday, October 17th, 2009, 6pm – 10 P.M.
Where: Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club: 1820 Old Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ
(856) 429-1388 • www.chhrc.com
Schedule:
6:00pm – 6:30pm – Welcome and court assignments
6:30pm – 10:00pm – Tennis play and awards reception

Tags: Cherry Hill Health and Racquet, fundraising, hunger, South Jersey, South Jersey Food Bank, tennis

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