Bonita Bay Hosts Terry See Pro-Am
SW Florida's USPTA Tennis Pros and Amateurs Support Injured Friend
Sep 17, 2008
Forty-two Southwest Florida tennis professionals and 43 amateurs gathered at the Bonita Bay Club for the Pro-Am benefit for The Landings tennis pro Terry See on Friday, September 5. Professionals and amateurs from as far north as Sarasota County, and as far south as Collier County came in support of one of Southwest Florida’s most liked and respected tennis professionals.
Pro-Am Well Attended
The response was so enthusiastic from members of the community that a second session was held to accommodate the demand. Although 85 people actually participated in the Pro-Am, well over 100 members of the tennis community, including additional teaching pros and members of various area clubs, attended the round robin event. Three rounds of play allowed each amateur to play with three and against three different pros. Lunch was served after tennis for participants of both sessions.
An Appreciative Terry See Speaks
By all accounts the event was a success. The over $4400 raised significantly augmented the funds raised through a benefit hosted by the Landings Tennis Association to assist Terry with accumulated expenses resulting from his injuries. At least as important as the money raised was the support demonstrated by Terry’s fellow professionals and other members of the tennis community. As he addressed the gathering of the group, Terry was obviously moved, “This is such a humbling experience, to see all of you gathered here. It’s almost beyond words,” he stated emotionally.
Turnout Better than Expected
Bonita’s Head Professional, Rob Vinal, one of the primary organizers of the event, was also moved by the turnout. “We exceeded our expectations since we were originally counting on 36 Pros & 36 AMs. You could tell Terry was overwhelmed by the day…I am so grateful for all the USPTA Pros who didn’t even blink when asked to do this for Terry. I am proud to be a Florida USPTA Pro with colleagues like this,” he expressed.
Local Club Amateurs Support Event
The amateurs who were primarily members of clubs in the area also found the event worthwhile. Asked about her impressions of and feelings about the event, Kathy Lanzalotta, a member at Gulf Harbour Golf & Country Club, responded, “I really enjoyed getting to play with three different pros against three different pros... Great to see so many pros and players from all different clubs support this worthwhile event. Terry was definitely overwhelmed by all the support.”
Bonita Bay Staff Acknowledged
Another Gulf Harbour member, Gabe Gebara, enjoyed the event as much as Kathy did. “I personally loved it because it is new to me and brought the best out of me,” he commented. Despite the almost impromptu nature of the event, Gabe acknowledged the terrific job Bonita Bay’s staff did: “In general, the overall organization was good. Paula [Scheb] did a great job.”
Scheb, the director of tennis & fitness at Bonita Bay Club shared her own thoughts: The most important element in the entire event was simply the amount of support that the area pros have for Terry. The respect everyone has for him was evident that day. In a nutshell, it was simply amazing!”
Paula Scheb Diverts Credit
Although Scheb and her staff were the prime movers behind the event, she diverted credit for the success of the event.” We were simply a conduit for this great event and we were fortunate enough to be able to have it here. The real credit, the standing ovation, goes to all the pros that supported Terry,” she explained.
That sentiment appeared to be unanimous amongst the attendees, as echoed by Mike Curran, director of tennis and fitness at Gulf Harbour: “The really important thing was that we contributed to Terry’s cause and also showed him that he is a valued member of a close-knit community.”
Pro-Am a Reflection of Character
The event, the experience, and the feedback from all involved speak to Terry See’s character, and the character of tennis community of which he is a part. Although the need for such events is never welcome, the expressions of appreciation and support that emerge from difficult circumstances certainly make such circumstances a little easier to bear.
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