VERO BEACH — The fourth annual Mardy’s Tennis & Jake’s Music Fest to Benefit the Mardy Fish Foundation has added a Barbeque Luncheon, complete with live and silent auctions and drinks to its schedule for this year’s event taking place the weekend of December 11 and 12. Fish is teaming with childhood friend and Country music star Jake Owen, plus fellow tennis pro James Blake to provide a unique combination of tennis and music.
The event kicks off on Friday, December 11 with a Kids’ Tennis Clinic at Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club and a Concert by Jake Owen at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center. The following day, Saturday, December 12, will feature the Barbeque Luncheon and a Tennis Exhibition featuring Mardy Fish vs. James Blake with a doubles match to follow. The country-western themed Barbeque Luncheon will allow guests to mingle and dine with Mardy Fish immediately preceding the Tennis Exhibition from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy an authentic gourmet barbeque featuring barbeque chicken breast, grilled Mahi Mahi and barbeque pulled pork along with assorted salads, sides and desserts.
During the luncheon, a live and silent auction will be held. Once again, fifteen-time Emmy award winning Sportscaster Brett Haber will act as Master of Ceremony and Auctioneer. Silent auction items include gift certificates from area restaurants, gift baskets, scuba and snorkeling trips, spa packages, fishing charter, autographed memorabilia from Fish’s friends on the professional tennis tours, and weekend getaways including a two-night stay at the Costa d’Este Beach Resort with dinner for two at Oriente and spa services.
The Live auction will offer various experiences such as a Big Apple trip for the 2010 U.S. Open to include hotel, airfare from JetBlue Airways and tickets to the men’s or women’s quarterfinals and the opportunity to enjoy a Dave Matthews Band performance from VIP seats and the chance to meet violinist and mandolinist Boyd Tinsley.
“Each year our auctions offer a mix of great local items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said Fish. “Plus we mix in memorabilia for the serious tennis and sports fans.”
Mardy’s Tennis and Jake’s Music Fest benefits the Mardy Fish Foundation, which Fish created in 2006 to support youth organizations in Indian River County, including the Pelican Island Elementary School/Mardy Fish Music Club and Health & Fitness Club, the Youth Guidance Foundation and Boys & Girls Club of Vero Beach. The Foundation has recently announced the addition of three additional after school programs and clubs at Glendale Elementary School, Sebastian Elementary School and JA Thompson Magnet Elementary School. The Youth Guidance Foundation will use the funds raised by the Mardy Fish Foundation to provide children the opportunity to attend summer camp and participate in sports and music programs.
The event Host Sponsor is the Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club. The Harrington McLaughlin Family Foundation is a Platinum Sponsor of Mardy’s Tennis & Jake’s Music Fest. Official Sponsors include Clear Channel – WAVE 92.7 and 103.7 FM WQOL, Comcast, George E. Warren Corporation, John’s Island Real Estate Company, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi of Melbourne, Proctor Construction Co., Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Tennis Life Magazine, TennisWeek.com, and Vero Insurance.
Tickets for the luncheon are $150. Tickets for the Tennis Exhibition are $75 for Box Seats and $35 for General Admission. Tickets for the Jake Owen Concert are $100 for VIP Seats, $75 for Premier Seats and $35 for Reserved Seats.
For tickets call (866) 333.7623. For further information call C & H Events, Inc. at (561) 394.9190 or visit www.chevents.com.