1) How, when and why did the Groundstrokes for the Garden Charity Tennis Tournament start? This week's Groundstrokes for the Garden tournament is the fourth tournament FAC has hosted benefiting the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. The first tournament was in October of 2007, the same month that the Garden opened on Crossover Rd, just north of FAC. When players register for the tournament at www.BGOzarks.org, I hope they will take some time to look at the web site to see the many events that take place just up the road from FAC that they can enjoy. Also, becoming a member of the Garden helps to sustain the Garden and allows the member to take advantage of programs and events at a reduced rate in most cases.
2) How and why did you get involved in the Groundstrokes? I was volunteering on the membership committee for the Garden when Taylor Dodds asked a group of tennis players if we had any ideas for a charity tournament. I immediately suggested the Botanical Garden. FAC has been a supporter of the Garden for many years, even before there was a plant in the ground! I am happy to say that the garden has grown into a beautiful venue and that it is available to people from all over the NW Arkansas region and beyond to enjoy.
3) How does having a well attended Groundstrokes Tennis tournament help the Botanical Gardens? All proceeds from the tournament go to the operating budget of the Garden, so of course, a good turn out brings in more dollars for the garden. Since the BGO is a non-profit organization funds are always needing to be raised. But probably the biggest benefit of the Groundstrokes tournament is exposure, meaning that the tournament attracts people who may not really be aware that the Garden is so near by, that it is a wonderful place for families to visit, that there are many social and educational events offered that families and individuals can enjoy.
4) As a FAC tennis player – why is this tournament special? I love tennis, and I love Fayetteville, and I love the Garden. I hope that my tennis friends will become involved with the Garden and come to appreciate the huge contribution a botanical garden can make to our NW Arkansas communities.
Who came up with the request of players wearing Wimbledon white tennis attire? The former owner of FAC, Bob Shoulders. It is a fun element to the tournament and seems to add a little flair to the event.
5) What are some of the activities, events and amenities of playing in the Groundstrokes? Players will receive a goodie bag, tee shirt, breakfast on Saturday donated by McDonalds of NW Arkansas, a player party Saturday evening with food from Oseguera's. We will have Margarita Man providing beverages and, of course, our signature live flower awards.
6) Can you tell us more about what items will be bided on at the silent auction? Silent auction items will include original paintings by two of our tennis friends, Carol Nunneley and Eve Smith. Theo's has donated a gift certificate that will be presented with a nice bottle of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio and a yummy collection of Lindt chocolates, especially selected to pair with the wine. There is a collector's item handmade birdhouse and also a collection of bicycle gear for some lucky player. Margarita Man is donating a rental of their machine for someone's next party, and P&G is donating a basket of household goodies, So, players should bring their check books and be prepared to spend some money! Remember, all proceeds will go to the garden!
7) Tell us more about the “players party”: time, event, where, attire and can non-players be brought as guests? The player's party will begin at 5:30 PM on Saturday, July 16, at the tennis center. Matches will still be in progress, so tennis attire is fine. Food for the tournament players is included in their tournament registration fee. Guests would need to pay $5.00 for their meal and should RSVP to the tennis pro shop no later than 6:00 Wednesday, July 13, so the caterer can prepare extra food. The silent auction will end at 7:00 that evening.
8) How can FAC Tennis members help you in making this charity tennis event successful? I have had several tennis friends who have helped organize the tournament for the past two years. They have helped by making requests for goodie bag donations, working with caterers, painting and filling flower pots, wrapping baskets for auction displays, helping with the auction, serving as bartender, and also playing in the tournament. Organizing an event like this is a lot of work, but it is fun to be able to work with friends. Most of that work is done before the tournament begins. Taylor and the other tennis pros run the tournament. I can ALWAYS use volunteers. In fact, anyone who wants to help with next year's tournament can let me know, and I will be happy to put you work! If any business would be willing to sponsor the tournament, that would be appreciated, too.
9) As Groundstrokes Tournament Director what has been your best memory of the event? Meeting lots of new friends who love tennis and support the Garden is always great. The first year we had the tournament, several of our male players made little jokes about our flower pot awards, but they got into the spirit of the event and posed for their picture with good humor while holding their flowers. Last year one player told me he had a row of tournament flower pots in his garden and was ready to add to his collection. That comment made my day!
10) Is this a USTA event? No, it is just a fun time to play tennis with friends, eat some good food, and donate to a good cause!
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