Hit back at cancer by hitting a tennis ball or golf ball during the 16th annual Hit for the Cure tennis and golf tournaments, at Red Mountain Ranch Country Club, on Nov. 18 and 19, to benefit the American Cancer Society.
“This is our 16th year,” said Ray Khesvadjian, tennis director at Red Mountain Ranch Country Club and tournament director. “We’ve raised more than $100,000 overall. Last year was our best, at $40,000, and we’re hoping to beat that this time.”
The fund-raising event starts on Friday night with the Kick-Off Party, from 7 to 10 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres. “In honor of Thanksgiving, we will have a seven-foot high blow-up turkey, which participants can try to hit with a tennis serve,” said Ray. “Balls are three for a dollar, and anyone who hits the turkey will be entered into a 50/50 lottery.”
On Saturday, tennis matches begin at 8 a.m. and go until 5 p.m. Tennis player packages are $58 per person and include the Kick-Off Party, two tennis events and dinner. A live band will entertain everyone.
The golf tournament tees off at noon and runs until 5 p.m. Golf packages are $93 and include the Kick-Off Party and dinner.
In addition, a live auction will run from 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. “Anyone is invited to donate cash or new auction items for the event,” said Ray.
The event is free and open to the public. Those who are not tournament participants can attend the Kick-Off Party and dinner for $30, or the dinner only for $20. Reservations must be made in advance by Friday, Nov. 11, by contacting Ray at rayk@rmrcc.com.
“This year’s golf tee sponsor is Dodge Ram of Superstition Springs,” Ray said. “We still are in need of court sponsors. Sponsorship is $500 per court and is recognized with a large court banner.”
Tennis and golf participants should sign up in advance. Players and dinner guests can pay in advance by mailing a check to Red Mountain Ranch Country Club, Attn: Ray, 6425 E. Teton Circle, Mesa, AZ 85215.
“We hope the Hit for the Cure will continue to be a very successful fund-raising event through the generosity of our tennis and golf tournament participants, corporate and business sponsors, raffle and donations,” said Ray.
Ray also praised the work of the tournament committee volunteers, Wendy Skarda and Judy Smee, tournament assistants; and Renee Knorr, Jodi Uecker, Carmen Atherstone, Debbie Simonson, Elizabeth Wood, Sue Brockman, Bonnie Greco, Stan Binder, Janel Mussman, Kathy Doody, Rachel Stern, Sue Kienitz, Ewin and Pat Trapp and John Shambrock.
For more information, or to reserve a spot, contact Ray at rayk@rmrcc.com, or call his cell phone at (602) 367-7473. You also can call the office at (480) 981-6501.
Red Mountain Ranch Country Club is located in the Red Mountain Ranch community, west off Power Road via Redmont Drive, north of Thomas Road.