Well-wishers surprised Tom Fish last Wednesday evening with a send-off pep rally in advance of his leaving for the weekend to participate in the Nov. 1 New York City Marathon. Although he keeps fit as the Director of Tennis at Windsor, this is a first marathon for Fish, who has been training hard with his coach, Jim Van Veen from Runner’s Depot.
The party, held outdoors on the green by Windsor’s Village Store, was a joint effort by the family and Windsor to support his Run for the Kids fundraising effort to benefit the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation. Established by his famed tennis star son Mardy Fish in 2007, the MFCF provides fitness and enrichment programs to Indian River County School children.
“We planned just a little something and it turned into a big something,” said Tom’s wife Sally. “All his friends, employees at Windsor, members, donors and supporters; it turned out to be really fun and massive. Everyone wished him well; it was really a fun night.”
Folks went all out with creative decorations for the Pep Rally. Erin Reicher and Sally Fish made up placards featuring motivational signs for each mile of the marathon and each of NYC’s five boroughs; the Windsor concierge had created a large portrayal of the entire racecourse, and Runners Depot loaned its large, inflatable finish line.
Fish was genuinely surprised and touched as he was greeted with cheers from his pompom-waving fans, and says he is thankful that the generous community has been standing firmly behind him.
“He’s raised more than $52,000 for the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation, so that’s awesome,” said Alison Mays, MFCF Director of Tennis.
Louis Clark, vice president of Marketing and Communications at Indian River Medical Center, a Run for the Kids sponsor, presented Fish with a crimson red running jersey, sporting the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation logo on front and the IRMC logo and Go Fish on the back.
“He’s inspired now; he’s excited about running on Sunday,” said Sally Fish. “The weather looks good so we’re set. He’s in great shape. He’s been blown away by all the support; we’re amazed.”
The MFCF Kids on Court program is offered at every elementary and middle school in the county and there is also a Summer Tennis Camp. The grant-based Kids in Motion after-school enrichment programs at elementary schools and community organizations include a wide variety of wholesome activities, from gardening and dance to basketball and track, and a pre-class fitness program called BOKS (build our kids success).
