Scene on Site
PROSHOT TENNIS RAISES MORE THAN $20,000
FOR SHADOW WOOD CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
Nearly 400 SWCC tennis members, friends and fans attended the 8th annual Proshot Tennis exhibition, which recently raised more than $20,000 for the Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation.
In the feature match, tennis legend Mikeal Pernfors teamed with Gulf Harbour Golf & Country Club Pro Mike Curran to nip former touring standout Robert Kendrick and Shadow Wood’s Scott Harrington in a third-set tiebreaker. Their March 5 match was preceded by a full morning of pro-am tennis and instructional clinics that included about 25 SWCC members. Spectators also were treated to a professional women’s match featuring top local pros Bella Graf, Natalia Maynetto, Martina Fratova and Maja Ornberg. The event was open to the public.
The real star of the show was chair umpire Jimmy Arias, who dazzled the crowd with his comedic chops and tennis knowledge. Arias, once the world’s fifth ranked player, was scheduled to play at Proshot until recent eye surgery shifted his role to master of ceremonies. Arias presently serves as a Tennis Channel commentator and director of player development at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
“Jimmy really kept the fans fully entertained,” said Sharon Rosen, who founded Proshot with Harrington and her husband Mitch. The Rosens and SWCC Sports Director Dave Dooley did much of the heavy lifting in organizing the event. They were assisted by Tammy Katz, Clark Bell, Betsy Lucke, Robin Marcus, Harrington and Elliott Hastings.
The real winner of Proshot is the Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation. The combination of sponsorships, individual donations, a popular raffle and BBQ cookout netted more than $20,000 for the Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to local charities.
Photos by Autumn Gates
Estero Fest
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce organized the first Estero Fest at Estero Park on April 2. This inaugural free community event is intended to become an annual celebration of everything Estero! The Ben Allen Band headlined the day’s musical entertainment with a three-hour concert. Many joined in dancing at the VIP section near the stage. Local business set up booths, and families enjoyed activities with smiles all around.
Photos by Autumn Gates
New Horizons of SWFL Grow Forward Gala
New Horizons of Southwest Florida held its Grow Forward Gala at Bonita Bay Club on Feb. 23. More than $200,000 was raised from supporters during the live auction and paddle raise! Platinum sponsors for the event were Coconut Point Ford and Roderick & Sue Price, Realtors: John R. Wood Properties. New Horizons serves more than 600 Lee and Collier County students, providing free after-school tutoring, along with mentorship and faith-building programs.
Photos by Autumn Gates
