PRESS RELEASE | from 07.06.09
2009 Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge Memorial Classic
The 6th Annual 2009 Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge Tennis Classic in Memory of E.J. French, Jr., & Carol H. Mazilly was held June 25 - 28, 2009, at the Southern Oaks Athletic Club with satellite play also at the Paula G. Manship Lamar Tennis Center. This charity tennis event raised a net donation of over $25,000 with 240 players participating in this year's event, which brought the event's six year net donation total to over $178,500. Players traveled from all over Louisiana and even a few from Texas to attend the event. Sherry Gautreau was this year's Honorary Chairperson. Johnny Little served as Tournament Director. Co-Chairs for this year's event were Barry Searles and Beau James Brock. Southern Oaks Athletic Club was the host facility for the event whose staff went above and beyond making everyone feel welcome to the event the entire weekend. For more information on Cancer Services, please go to www.cancerservices.org or on upcoming Aquinas League organized events please go to www.aquinasleague.org.
The festivities started with a "Calcutta" auction party on Thursday night. Crown Trophy on Sherwood Forest Drive donated trophies to sponsors and champions for the event. Dinner was donated by Pinoy's Filipino Restaurant & Bar, located on Sherwood and Coursey, with a full meal of Filipino delicacies. Last year's 2007 Gary W. Frank Memorial M.V.P. Award was formally presented to Val Suico who went above and beyond during last year's event by his volunteerism and efforts.
On Friday night, in spite of the threatening thunder and lightning, Carrabba's Italian Grill donated an entire dinner and cooked it onsite while their employees volunteered on their own time to serve the meal inside Southern Oaks's spacious lounge area. Carrabba's served grilled chicken breast with Marsala Sauce, Cavatappi Amatriciana, and Caesar salad. On Saturday at lunch, Qdoba Mexican Grill located in Town Centre on Corporate donated a variety of their special steak and chicken "naked burritos" to players. On Saturday night, Jambalaya Shoppe on Government Street treated players to a fantastic meal of pastalaya, white beans and salad topped off by their famous banana pudding. After dinner, the live band "Kenny Altazin and Straight Sets" rocked the house as partiers filled the dance floor.
La Madeleine Bakery Cafe & Bistro woke up the Sunday breakfast crowd with a glorious assortment of croissants, cookies and fine desserts for all to indulge. On Sunday, Sammy's on Highland Road provided the fixins for a sumptuous grilled hamburger and chicken beast lunch that was barbequed by master chefs Judge Bill Morvant and Judge Mike Caldwell. Krispy Kreme, Abita beer, and Coca-Cola, also provided refreshments all weekend. Coca-Cola went above and beyond by providing additional bottled water for players due to the oppressive heat during the weekend which was greatly appreciated. Jennifer Bargas, David Searles and Russell Butler deserving special mention due to their delivery services in transporting needed supplies around town ensuring the success of the event. Renowned artist, Alexander Harvie, painted on-site all weekend and offered some of his works for sale while donating 50% of all proceeds generated to Cancer Services.
Carrabba's Italian Grill was our Platinum level sponsor this year. Our Gold level sponsors included Albemarle Foundation, Abita beer - Crescent Crown, Qboda Mexican Grill, Wal-Mart, and Crown Trophy. Silver Level sponsors included The Latin Quarter, Pinoy's Filipino Restaurant & Bar, Jambalaya Shoppe on Government Street, Sammy's on Highland Road, Alexander Harvie, Stephen Wilson, M.D., American Business Systems, Silk Screen Shop, Johnstone Supply, Gwen Harmon, The Chimes, and Esopi Galleries. Over 100 other sponsors also donated money, raffle items and talent to make this Baton Rouge event a successful one. A raffle, silent auction and special Cancer Services merchandise sales over the weekend also generated revenues from the players and guests.
This year's 2009 Gary W. Frank Memorial MVP Award - Steve Magnon.
2009 Champions by Division
5.5 - Nathan Biggerstaff/Kyla Hall
6.5 Abita - Travis Spillman/Stephanie Spillman
6.5 White - Matthew LaBorde/Amanda LaBorde
6.5 Green - Gilbert Faulk/Natalie Calloway
6.5 Purple - Kynan Fontenot/Carmel Ensminger
6.5 Gold - Bill Morris/Debbie Mancuso
7.5 Purple - John Shortess/Lucie Kantrow
7.5 Gold – Swingin' Stan Shermer/Stacy Bonewtiz
8.5 – Chris Bourgeois/Sally Calogne
Beau James Brock, Co-Chairperson -- 252-6065
2009 Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge Memorial Classic
