Sea Oaks residents put on their game faces last Saturday for the annual Sea Oaks Charity Day to benefit the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation.

For the past 15 years, active members of the barrier island community have hosted the Dick Knoll Tournament in memory of one of its former residents, with proceeds supporting area nonprofits that have included Indian River Habitat for Humanity, the Hope for Families Center and the We Care Foundation.

Paul Delaney, event organizer and MFCF board member, saw this newer partnership as a natural fit for the community’s charity benefit.

“We’re a tennis club with 16 courts,” he said. “All the people here love tennis and want to be good citizens.”

After spending the morning taking part in various activities – teeing up on the greens at Sandridge Golf Club, playing their hands at duplicate bridge, taking a swing on the tennis courts, or lacing up their shoes for the community walk – more than 100 Sea Oaks residents gathered on the porch of the Tennis Center for an awards luncheon.

A few lucky winners even walked away with raffle prizes, including a golf bag and gift certificates.

“To understand why we do this, you just have to drive across the causeway and take a look around,” said Deb Benjamin, of the motivation behind the annual charity day.

“Whoever steps up to run the event gets to choose the beneficiary. Paul is really passionate about tennis and the MFCF. We also wanted to do it for an organization where the amount of money we raise will make a difference.”

An added benefit, she said, is that community members learn about area nonprofits and, if they don’t have the time or ability to volunteer, they can still give back by participating in Charity Day.

Tom Fish, MFCF board chairman and Windsor tennis pro, was on hand to share in the post-activity celebration.

“On behalf of the MFCF I want to thank you, the Sea Oaks community, once again for dedicating your fundraising event to benefit the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation. You guys have raised so much money for the kids in this community,” said Fish.

“During the last winter and spring grant cycle the foundation gave over $160,000 to local youth through our health, fitness and nutrition-based programs. We really are making a difference in a lot of kids’ lives that without your help wouldn’t be able to participate in the programs we support.”

The Sea Oaks and MFCF “love” match isn’t over yet. The club will host the MFCF Qualifying Wild Card Tournament, which runs Feb. 27 to March 1. The winner will earn a wild card entry into the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation Tennis Championships, which runs April 29 to May 5 at the Boulevard Tennis Club.

For more information, visit mardyfishchildrensfoundation.org.