This year marked the return of the Tennis Ball: A Grand Slam Event and the Joey Gratton Tennis Championship after a two-year hiatus. Fans and community members were eager to partake in the events from Friday, April 8 to Sunday, April 10 after being unable to hold the event in previous years due to the pandemic. 2022 is the first time these events kicked off the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open which started on Monday, April 11 and continues through Sunday, April 17.  The itinerary started on Friday evening, with over 300 guests in attendance for the 2022 Tennis Ball: A Grand Slam Event, presented by The Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open. The sold-out event took place at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. Proceeds from The Tennis Ball: A Grand Slam Event, will support Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Foundation.  The Joey Gratton Tennis Championship took place from Saturday, April 9 to Sunday, April 10, at the Sarasota Sports Club. The Championship was created in 2011 to honor his legacy and spread his passion for competition by supporting youth programs through sports. The date 11-11-11 was displayed on each bag given to guests during the event as a way to remember this incredible athlete, husband and father. His family established the Joey Gratton Foundation in his honor to create opportunities for those that may not have the chance. The Joey Gratton Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties both believe in helping local youth build a greater, brighter future. The festivities came to a close on Tuesday, April 12, as the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open held a check presentation for Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Foundation as charity partners.

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