news: Get to know the teams

Macy Kennedy (above), and her brother,
Brayden, won their doubles match Saturday.

Ron Cioffi/USTA Soutthern

Donuts & Donations

GREENVILLE MANAGER’S WIFE SPURS FUNDRAISING

By Ron Cioffi, USTA Southern

A dozen donuts for $100? What a deal!

One generous person in Greene County, Tenn. shelled out a C-note for just 12 donuts and gave hope and support to the first local team to advance to the USTA Southern Jr. Team Tennis Section Championships.

The team is not from a big city, swanky suburb or fancy country club. No, this team is based in the Greenville-Greene County Parks and Recreation Department’s Tennis Complex, in a county seat of only 17,198 persons (2010 census) living in the eastern, rural Tennessee mountains.

Faced with a $350 bill for each child to play in Auburn, Mary Kennedy, wife of manager and tennis complex pro, Bart, came up with a novel idea: donuts.

In two days, the nine players sold 250 boxes of Krispy Kremes donuts for $20, including one dozen that sold for $100.

Team parents reached out to schools and local business. E-mails were sent out and the donations came pouring in. Once the money was counted up, hotels, meals, registration fees and team t-shirts for the entire team were paid for.

“We raised $2,200. It was a team effort. Everybody contributed,” explained Mary, beaming after a close victory.

Bart Kennedy credits the team’s longevity and practice schedule for their victory at the State Championships. “This is the fifth year that we’ve played together,” he explained. “During the winter, seven of the eight players participated in lessons at their indoor courts. … Yes, we mostly drilled: forehands, backhands,” he added.

The complex is also the pride of Helen Smith, president of USTA Tennessee and local resident. A volunteer, Smith was instrumental in building the facility, with the help of the USTA, and developing the Jr. Team Tennis program. In an e-mail that was circulated nationally throughout the top leadership of the USTA this weekend, she mentioned that small-town roots can be the foundation for accomplishment and community building.

She wrote affectingly of the team, saying, “They just called me at work, and told me they were bringing me a trophy, even if they had to buy one. I already have my trophy.”