INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Tennis lovers in Vero Beach are lucky to have an amazing pool of tennis professionals to learn from, as well as to watch the competition among them.
Each year, area professionals gather to raise funds for Youth Guidance, a local youth mentoring and activity organization. The annual King of the Hill tennis tournament opened for the 19th year last Tuesday night under threatening skies at the Moorings Club.
Members from the different clubs in the area come to cheer their home pro on, as well as to socialize with people they know from other clubs.
The drinks that flow from the cash bar are refreshing, the burgers grilled to perfection, and the price of admission, $5 for general and $10 for reserved seating, can’t be beat.
These Tuesday night tennis happy hours are happening through Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., and are a terrific way to support a great cause while watching some great tennis.
On tournament night last week, the rain stayed away, and the breezy night brought out a convivial crowd, some conversing more than observing, but all having fun.
Moorings Realtor Marsha Sherry greeted members and friends and was thrilled with the turnout.
“It’s a real honor for The Moorings to be a sponsor for such deserving organization and such a festive event. The excitement really grows through the six weeks.”
When congratulated on the magical quality of the venue, Sherry gave kudos to Moorings members.
“These members really support Youth Guidance and they love watching this caliber of play.”
The King of the Hill Tournament started as a tribute to Gigi Casapu’s brother, a tennis player who loved children, and who was killed in a car accident in 1994.
“I wanted to do something in his memory,” said Casapu. “I had volunteered with Youth Guidance, giving kids tennis lessons and I enjoyed it so much.”
He approached the organization with the idea of having the proceeds from the tournament, which began in 1994, benefit Youth Guidance and they agreed, gratefully.
“Vero is a unique tennis community,” said Casapu. “The pros here do all kinds of charitable things together. All the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) pros at all the local clubs are part of this.”
Dick and Ginger Winkler were supporting their present tennis professional, but had loyalties to their past professional, so they were enjoying going back and forth between the courts.
A dapper Dick Winkler was dressed in a persimmon colored sweater, over a yellow gingham cotton shirt, which went along with his yacht shorts, the ones with little flags on them.
When asked if he had picked out what he was wearing, he laughed and said, “I haven’t picked out my own clothes since I moved here,” and gestured at his wife.
Shawls and scarves were evident, and the heaters around the courts kept spectators toasty warm.
Other sponsors for the tournament include Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, Herman F. Becker Family, Allstate Agent Mary Payne, George E. Warren Corporation, Dede Ashby, Jaycee Park Seaside Grill.
