Pictured: JG Tennis co-chairs Barb Lancer, Christina Bonilla and Amy Lyons with BGCSDC kids.

The annual Tennis Ball: A Grand Slam Event, took place on Friday, April 14, at Michael’s On East capping off the 2023 Joey Gratton Tennis Championship and closing out the final weekend of The Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open. Both the Joey Gratton Tennis Championship and the Tennis Ball honor the legacy of the late Joey Gratton, who was an exceptional athlete and beloved philanthropist in Sarasota. Proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Foundation and USTA Foundation. The evening entertained nearly 300 guests, including several well-known athletes from the Sarasota tennis community. The cocktail reception kicked off at 6 p.m., and featured hors d'oeuvres prepared by Michael's On East, a silent auction, and a chance drawing to win a 1oz American Eagle Gold Coin pendant. At 7:30 p.m., auctioneer and local comedian, Les McCurdy invited everyone to take their seats to begin the program and welcomed Bill Sadlo, BGCSDC President/CEO to the stage. Co-Chairs, Barbara Lancer, Christina Bonilla and Amy Lyons then took to the stage and thanked everyone for helping thousands of youth achieve their full potential at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties and recognized the key sponsors of the evening including Elizabeth Moore, Remington Reynolds, and Steve Gareleck of the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open, Juice Plus, Jay Martin Foundation, and Teixeira Family Foundation. The Co-Chairs then presented the annual Jimmy Arias Cup and Scholarship to high school student, Jackson C., who was unable to join in person, but accepted via video. Guests enjoyed an artfully prepared dinner by Michael's on East before McCurdy resumed the program by introducing BGCSDC Club member, Daria T., who shared her own deeply personal story reminding the audience of the power of their philanthropy and the impact it can have on our local youth. Daria said, “I spend most of my time at the Boys & Girls Club. It is where I can express my true self and continue to learn. It is where I discovered my passion for advocacy and became a leader. It is where I have overcome countless obstacles, such as my mom’s addiction. Daria continued, “the Club introduced me to my passion and future major, political science. I realized advocating for others and issues I believe in is something I want to do for the rest of my life. I am committed to reforming the criminal justice and rehab systems for other children and their parents.” Daria plans to pursue a double major in computer science and political science at Florida State University in the fall.McCurdy then led guests into the live auction as dessert was being served. Items included an exclusive US Open President’s Suite Pass Package, One Hour of Play on Center Court in Arthur Ashe Stadium (with airfare), a one week stay in the south of France, golf with LGPA professional, Nelly Korda, a Necker Cup Luxury Catamaran Yacht Trip, and many more. Following the live auction, there was a “bid from the heart” paddle raise followed by the announcement of the chance drawing winner. The evening closed with guests dancing the night away to the sounds of DJ Joey D.

Pictured: JG Tennis co-chairs Barb Lancer, Christina Bonilla and Amy Lyons with BGCSDC kids.