Photo Credit: Jacqueline Ward Images

March 1, 2016
Miramar Beach, FL
By: Jessica Roberts

 

TENNIS BENEFIT SERVES UP OVER $8000 TO FOOD FOR THOUGHT OUTREACH

5th Annual Love All Tennis Tournament Raises Funds to Fight Child Hunger

 Love. Set. Match. Over 60 tennis enthusiasts of all levels gathered together at Tops’l Beach and Racquet Resort on February 19th to support local nonprofit, Food For Thought Outreach, in their mission to fight child hunger in our community. Local tennis pros, Joe D'aleo and Christoffer Fasth, lead this year’s Doubles Challenge and expanded the event to include both men and women. In it’s fifth year, Love All sought to be bigger and better than ever and the event did not miss the mark! The benefit was able to more than double what the event raised in years past!

 Food For Thought Outreach Founder and Executive Director, Tiffanie Nelson, continues to be amazed at the community support her organization receives. “Every event is a chance to make a difference in our community, make a difference in the lives of our local kids who go home hungry Friday and may not eat again until Monday. We are so thankful for organizations like Beachy Beach 30A who sponsor and host events like Love All Tennis,” says Nelson.

 Players were met with a pre-match breakfast courtesy of Tops'l Beach and Racquet Resort and Pop Stop's signature Mimosa Pops. Porath & Associates sponsored the event as well as provided bottled water throughout the day. Print Source donated event t-shirts and swag for players. ResortQuest, Chi-Mar Construction, Beachy Beach 30a, and Miramar Beach Dental and Orthodontics also sponsored this year’s event. Lunch was provided by Bruno’s Pizza 30A who also donated items to the raffle.

 Guests were excited to peruse the silent auction and raffle items. Prizes came from all over the area and included a $100 Jackacuda’s gift card, jewelry from Star Gallery, and a wine package from Blue Rock Vineyard.

 Funds received from event registration and silent auction donations will go directly back into the program. Players served up a total of $8,325 which is enough money donated to send home 1665 backpacks filled with 16,650 food items!

“100% of donations are spent within two weeks to purchase food for the 1,200 students we serve,” says Nelson. Food For Thought has nearly doubled in the number of students served each year since its inception in 2010. Today, Food For Thought delivers backpacks full of healthy, kid-friendly food items to 16 schools in Okaloosa and Walton counties, from Fort Walton Beach to Freeport. The organization is also moving into a newly renovated pantry in Destin to accommodate the growth across Okaloosa County.

 “The need is out there and we are here to say ‘Yes’ to every student who asks for help,” says Nelson.

 Next up for the growing nonprofit, one of the organization’s key fundraisers through the years, the 5th Annual Food For Thought Golf Tournament in April. Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club will host again this year and Hole Sponsorships are still available!

 Registration is now open at http://fftfl.org/collections/5th-annual-charity-golf-tournament

 If you or someone you know would like to donate time, funds, or services to Food For Thought Outreach please email info@fftfl.org or visit fftfl.org

 About Food For Thought Outreach

Food For Thought is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Santa Rosa Beach, FL that provides backpacks filled with healthy, easy to prepare food for students who are dependent on free or reduced school meals. Our goal is to support a child’s development and educational experience by bridging the gap between school meals during weekends and holiday breaks.  Food For Thought has been working to fight child hunger since 2010, and currently serves 16 schools in Walton and Okaloosa Counties, providing backpacks for 1,200 students each week. For more information, such as donation locations, pantry items needed, and opportunities to volunteer, please email info@fftfl.org.

About Tops'l Beach & Racquet Resort

TOPS’L is a tranquil beach and racquet resort just east of Destin, in the Sandestin area of Northwest Florida. It offers the peace of a location off the beaten path, while still having the conveniences of city attractions just a few minutes’ drive away. Situated on 52 private acres, this full-service resort is bordered by the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and a nature preserve — so without ever getting in the car, guests here can choose from beach fun, tennis time (on one of 12 clay courts, 10 of which are lighted) or outdoor recreation exploring the area’s natural beauty.

This award-winning resort offers onsite fine and casual dining with tennis or beach views and refreshments at the beachside and clubside tiki bars. The tennis center has certified USPTA Elite Professionals and programs, an exercise facility, a racquetball court, an indoor-outdoor pool, and a sauna with steam room and massage therapy. Families can take advantage of an array of entertaining children's activities, and there is also meeting space available for those who want to mix business and pleasure. A short drive around Destin will bring visitors to thrilling watersports from parasailing to snorkeling and scuba diving, championship golf, deep-sea fishing and boating charters, plus additional shopping and dining.

ResortQuest offers the largest selection and best vacation rentals in the area and has accommodations that will fit every lifestyle and budget.