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The 10th Annual Rage in the Cage tournament took place this past weekend, March 28-29th, at the Cherry Valley Club. Charlie's Champions Foundation, which raises money for the Cancer Center For Kids at Winthrop University Hospital on Long Island was the beneficiary. The foundation was formed by Tara and John Schmitt on behalf of their son, Charlie, who was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago.
The weekend started with clinics for juniors on Friday afternoon at the Cherry Valley Club. John Schmitt added this "Underage in the Cage" program 3 years ago when the focus of the tournament was changed. Alex Bancila, John Dehler, John Cerga, and Taylor Stanton donated their time this year to show over 125 kids how to rage in the cage. Pizza donated by a local restaurant ensured the (under)Rage continued with music prizes and plenty of fun.
Saturday the adult mixed doubles events were split into an "A" and "B" draw. The "A" draw was won by Mike Cochrane/Annica Cooper van Starrenburg over John Schmitt/Kelly Van Calcar 6-7,6-3,7-6. The "B" draw winners were Marty Dehler/Kingsley Howe who defeated Doug Graham/Angela LaManna 2-6,6-4,7-5. The two exciting finals provided entertainment for over 250 cheering spectators.
With more than 250 contributors present at the evening's party, $70,000.00 was raised through donations, entry fees, dinner tickets, raffles, and gifts. John Schmitt regrets that he could not name and thank everyone individually. "So many people did so much, I'm afraid I would leave someone out."
For more information on the foundation, go to www.charlieschampions.com.
Full size photos available at Flickr
Note:
As a first time attendee of this event, I was caught off guard by the overwhelming love and support shown by the community toward the Schmitt family and Charlie's Champions Foundation. I apologize for not capturing images of the entire 2 days of the "Rage". The above images do not represent the true nature of support shown by Garden City and the platform tennis community.
~Bob Considine
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