The Friends of Ellington Tennis provides funds for both Ellington tennis programs and facilities. We try to accomplish this through running fun events.
Among past projects accomplished from our fundraising activities are the October 2020 bush purchase and planting alongside the courts next to Ellington High School. Along with the windscreens we purchased for these courts, the bushes are intended to lessen the impact of spring winds blowing across the courts on the players. Previously, the Friends of Ellington Tennis has purchased the pavilion and backboard located at these courts, has purchased and installed patches on court cracks, and secured USTA grants to fund a significant portion of the initial court construction costs.
And while it's all about tennis, it isn't just about tennis. Annually, through the Ellington Community Scholarship Association, the Friends of Ellington Tennis provide the Charles Huggins Memorial scholarship to an EHS tennis player graduating and pursuing further education.
Finally,, we provide funds to offset program costs whether they be team uniforms, additional ball hoppers, or other extraordinary expenses such as the additional ball hoppers, digital thermometers, hand sanitizers, and tennis balls required to run programs during a pandemic in 2020.
The Friends of Ellington Tennis secure our funds from 3 main fun fundraising efforts every year:
Super Bowl Eve Party
On the night before the big game we gather for a night of food, drink, and entertainment at the Cold Creek Tavern with all proceeds going toward upcoming program and facility needs.
Golf Tournament
While we do have an afternoon of fun, we also have some competitive golf as we'll again get together on an October afternoon for golf, dinner, music, and drinks with all proceeds again going toward program and facility needs. This year, we'll be eeing off on Saturday, October 2nd, at 3:00 at Grassmere Country Club.
Charles Huggins Memorial Tennis Tournament
Every September, and 2021 will be our 9th event, we gather for a weekend tournament named in honor of our beloved Charles Huggins who worked with the Town of Ellington Recreation Department and the Friends of Ellington Tennis and is personally responsible for introducing a huge influx of youth players into our programs before his passing in 2012. While the weekend is intended to remember Charles and to provide one more tennis opportunity for the players before they head inside, any proceeds go to the programs an facility needs.
The Friends of Ellington Tennis, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization and all donations to us are tax deductible.
