SenioRITAs hit the courts in 2018

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Celebrating the 19th anniversary of the SenioRITAs tennis fundraiser at Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach - the all-volunteer committee of 30 people featuring mostly Sawgrass members - work from March to October planning and soliciting sponsorships and donations. 

Originally begun with the RITA foundation (Research is The Answer) by Chuck Jantz in 1997, Sawgrass tennis player Mary Pappas came up with the idea of making the tournament for women 40 years old and older the SenioRITAs. 

The committee is proud that 100% of the proceeds go directly to Mayo Clinic for breast cancer research and to Baptist Beaches for patient services. Over the course of 19 years, more than $4.4 million dollars, including matching funds, has been raised for the cause. Contributions to Dr. Al Copland at Mayo Clinic go directly to his lab for triple negative breast cancer research with more than $300,000 donated to his continued search for a cure.

This year, co-chairs are Karen Aaro and Chuck Jantz are leading the events and continuing the legacy of The SenioRITAs’ two endowments at Mayo Clinic and seven endowments at Baptist.

There are three segments open to the public to the fundraising program this year:

1. Kick-Off Pusser’s Party Oct. 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. With an expected crowd of 200+ attendees, the cost is $30 per person that includes two drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres. The location, which is the second floor of Pusser’s Restaurant in Ponte Vedra Beach, open to the Public.

2. Auction Party Oct. 17 from 6 p.m. at Sawgrass Country Club $40 admission. The 2018 theme is “Ooh La La” (French of course), featuring a live and silent auction, light French fare and a cash bar. With more than 200 silent and live auction items, it’s a high energy night of vacations, dinners, golf resorts, autographed memorabilia and a lead-in to the tennis weekend. Open to the Public.

3. Tennis Tournament - three-day tournament at Sawgrass Country Club Oct. 19, 20, 21. The cost to play is $100 per person and has often had a wait-list. This year, more than 300 women will be coming from around the country to play tennis with a purpose. Pink flags throughout the club honor breast cancer survivors and those who lost their fight. Dramatically placed flags line the walkways and honor friends and family.  

NOTE: Vicar’s Landing provides a shuttle bus to and from the Sawgrass golf clubhouse to the tennis courts. Friday, Oct. 19 in the evening there is an exhibition doubles match featuring players on the UNF Women’s College Team.

Visit www.the-rita-foundation.org/senioritas for more information on how to donate or attend any of the events.