Prestonwood Tennis To Host Seventh Annual 'Pink Day'
The Tennis Program at Prestonwood is gearing up for their sixth annual Pink Day on Friday, October 24th. The program's largest annual fundraiser goes far beyond a morning of tennis matches. Pink Day's main focus is raising money and awareness for breast cancer research, supporting community members who are affected by the disease, and celebrating the survivors. Prestonwood is able to host this event each year because of the dedicated tennis staff, participants, and sponsors who donate time and resources to host a spectacular event. The first Pink Day was held in 2009, with the intent to support a few of Prestonwood's tennis members who battled breast cancer. This event has grown exponentially over the last six years and is on pace to continue.
Jen Newnam, a Prestonwood member, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, which opened her eyes to a number of individuals in the community suffering from the illness, as well as the family members and friends who are impacted. Jen's first Pink Day experience came the same year as her diagnosis, not long after a major surgery and the beginning of the chemotherapy process. "I was pretty weak, pretty bald, and feeling rather beaten up by life," said Jen of her first Pink Day experience. "When I arrived at the event, my spirit was immediately lifted. There was pink everywhere and, more importantly, there were friends who selflessly came together to raise money and awareness for a cause dear to my heart and to the hearts of so many others in our community." Jen is now cancer free and continues to participate in the event each year.
Liz Fenton, another member who was diagnosed with breast cancer, notes that Pink Day is her favorite day at Prestonwood each year. "Having the support of all of the ladies and coaches wearing pink, laughing and playing together as one big team is a special day. For one day we are all part of the same team, working together to raise money for breast cancer. It is special for me as a survivor and sharing the day with other survivors," Liz states.
Although membership at Prestonwood is required to play in the tournament, there are opportunities for the public to be involved. Silent auction and raffle items will be at the Prestonwood Tennis Center beginning at 9:00 am. This year's event will also include a trunk show, including Stella & Dot, Lululemon, Cabi, and more to be announced. Trunk show vendors will be at the tennis facility from 9 am - 3 pm to showcase their collections, and each vendor is generously donating a portion of their proceeds to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
Prestonwood is confident that this will be their most successful event yet as participation increases. Continued support from event sponsor Chick-Fil-A allows this fundraiser to flourish each year. Prestonwood could not be more proud of the community who give their time and resources to ensure a successful event in which all proceeds are donated to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
