My Sisters’ Place Introduces Eat, Play, Love Tennis Fundraiser
Celebrating its 40th anniversary protecting victims of domestic violence throughout Westchester, My Sisters’ Place held its inaugural Eat, Play, Love tennis fundraiser to raise money for the ongoing mission to help those in need.
Nearly two-dozen tennis enthusiasts took the court for a round robin tournament at Club Fit in Briarcliff Friday night, raising over $2,500 in support of the White Plains-based organization. Lisa Olney, who serves on My Sisters’ Place board of directors, said the event came together as a way to get county residents more involved with their cause.
“I thought it would be fun to have an event where people are doing something they love while being able to support a charity at the same time,” Olney said. “It’s a really great way to introduce My Sisters’ Place to a whole new group of people who are just becoming more aware with the great work we do.”
Since 1976, My Sisters’ Place has worked to combat the effects of domestic violence and human trafficking on women, men and children throughout the county. The organization provides support, counseling, education, childcare, shelter, and legal services to those impacted by abuse.
“It’s such a moving subject that touches all of us whether we know it or not,” Olney said. “There are a lot of silent victims, so to know that we’re raising awareness and funds for the great things My Sisters’ Place does is really inspiring.”
Olney added that the money raised during the event would go towards refurbishing the playrooms in two shelters. “You have little kids torn from their home and in the midst of their chaos they’ll have a nice little sanctuary where they can play and forget about what they’re going through,” Olney said.
Along with Club Fit donating the courts and the time of two tennis professionals to organize and run the event, several local businesses also donated food, drinks and thank you gifts to all the participants.
“It’s easy for us to donate court time, it’s the least we can do to support this cause,” said Heath Hoover, Director of adult tennis at Club Fit.
While organizers were thrilled by the amount of money raised, participants also felt inspired to help those in need.
“We’re all privileged to live here, we’re safe, we’re healthy, we’re happy, and this is a chance to do what we like and help those who might want to have that opportunity in the future,” Briarcliff resident Stephanie Casper said.
Briarcliff resident Georgia Frach agreed expressing that everybody has a responsibility to help those in need.
“It’s wonderful when women can come out together to help other women,” Frach said. “It’s very empowering.”
