3rd Annual Holiday Tennis Classic Presented by Allstate / Wally Burbage Agency to Benefit MUSC Hollings Cancer Center

Public USTA-Sanctioned Tournament Offers Over $5,500 in Raffle Prizes to Assist Charity

CHARLESTON, SC – November 10, 2010 – The Family Circle Tennis Center has scheduled its third annual Holiday Tennis Classic tennis tournament presented by Allstate / Wally Burbage Agency at Charleston’s premier tennis facility, December 3rd – 5th, 2010.  The public is invited to participate in this United States Tennis Association (USTA) South Carolina Level 4 sanctioned event in women’s doubles (2.5 – 4.5 levels), men’s doubles (3.0 – 4.5 levels), mixed doubles (6.0 – 9.0 levels), and must register by Tuesday, November 30th via TennisLink™ at USTA.com using tournament number 704126710.  Players may enter up to two events; $50 tournament registration fee, and $15 for an additional event.  One hundred percent of raffle proceeds and all items donated by tournament participants will benefit adult cancer patients at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.  The Family Circle Tennis Center, home of the Family Circle Cup, is a 32-acre award-winning public tennis facility located on Daniel Island, in Charleston, SC.

“The Holiday Tennis Classic is the only adult tournament held during the month of December in the Lowcountry, so it’s the perfect event for league players to cap off the year with teammates and friends before the holidays arrive,” said Dewey Caulder, Tennis Director, Family Circle Tennis Center.  “Players will enjoy great tennis, a festive holiday atmosphere, good food and entertainment, as well as the warm feeling from making a difference in the lives of people in need.”

Over $5,500 in raffle prizes will be offered at $5/chance or $20 for five chances, including a two-night trip for two with air/hotel to the 2011 US Open in New York City, Wild Dunes Weekend Beach House Getaway for six, Family Circle Cup ticket / Dunlop tennis gear package, Oak Island Beach Weekend Getaway for two, Dell All-in-One Home Computer system, Six-Hour Yacht Harbor Sunset Cruise for eight people, and a SpiritLine Harbor Dinner Cruise for two, and other prizes.  All proceeds benefit MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.

Tournament check-in will start at 4:00pm on Friday, December 3rd, and play will begin shortly before player gift distribution at 5:30pm.  First round matches are scheduled that evening, followed by a player party with a live band and a pasta dinner, including a preview of the auction items benefitting MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.

All participants are asked to bring a gift donation for an adult cancer patient at the party (i.e. soft hats, shawls, lap blankets, and individually wrapped snacks including Fig Newtons, Cheese Crackers “Nabs”, Granola Bars, NutriGrain Bars, Hard Candies (Mint or Lemon Drops), Tootsie Roll Pops, No Sugar Added Apple Sauce or Puddings, Cheez-It Snack Crackers, and Welch’s Fruit Snacks).

Matches are scheduled throughout Saturday with lunch provided to all tournament participants by Chick-fil-A, and an assortment of college football games will be viewable in a Football Lounge, located in close proximity to match courts.  The tournament will conclude on Sunday, December 5th, with a complimentary lunch provided by The Daniel Island Grille.  The official raffle drawing will occur at 1:00pm, and participants do not need to be present to win.

Adult beverages will be provided throughout the tournament.

This event offers competition for the following levels, utilizing both clay and hard courts:

• Men’s Doubles: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5
• Women’s Doubles:  2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5
• Mixed Doubles:  6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0

All divisions must have three team entries, and players may enter up to two events, but not in the same category.  A round-robin format will be used in any three-team draw.

The Daniel Island Holiday Festival will also occur on the grounds of the Family Circle Tennis Center during the tournament from 12:00pm – 5:00pm on Saturday, December 4th, and Sunday, December 5th.   Players can visit over 120 vendors inside Family Circle Stadium and enjoy fun for the whole family including holiday shopping, live entertainment, caroling & a tree lighting.

To learn more about Family Circle Tennis Center programs, visit familycirclecup.com.  For specific questions about tennis programs, tournaments, and events, call the Family Circle Tennis Center Pro Shop at (843) 849-5300.

The Family Circle Tennis Center

The Family Circle Tennis Center, home of the Family Circle Cup, ITA Tennis Academy, and the Charleston areas only permanent QuickStart tennis courts, is a public facility owned by the City of Charleston and operated by Meredith Corporation that hosts a variety of events including concerts, festivals, tennis events and other special activities throughout the year.  With over 21 million readers, Family Circle is one of the most widely read monthly magazines in America and is one of 14 leading subscription magazines owned by Meredith Corporation.  The Tennis Center features a 10,200 seat stadium, a Grand Lawn, 17 tennis courts lighted for night play, and a racquet club featuring a full service Pro Shop and locker room facilities.  The Family Circle Tennis Center has a full service event management staff capable of handling all aspects of an event including ticketing, operations, sales, advertising, marketing, public relations, and food & beverage.  For more information or a schedule of events, call (843) 849-5300 or visit familycirclecup.com.

Family Circle Tennis Center
City of Charleston Facility
161 Seven Farms Drive ∙ Daniel Island ∙ Charleston, SC · 29492
Ph: (843) 856-7900 · Fax: (843) 849-5392
www.familycirclecup.com