Initiated in January of 2005, the North Carolina Tennis Foundation's (NCTF) Capital Campaign announced today it has received over $1.77 million in donations. The generous spirit of the North Carolina tennis community helped the NCTF exceed an ambitious goal of $1.5 million. The Campaign relied heavily on the volunteer efforts of seven Regional Leaders and their teams to secure donations. The NCTF Capital Campaign's purpose is stated simply in its mantra: Providing a Lifetime of Support - For the Sport of a Lifetime.
Campaign funds will be directed towards securing and renovating the new Greensboro headquarters facility for the NCTF and its sister organization the North Carolina Tennis Association. The facility will house a newly established education center, to train volunteers, umpires, league officials, and community leaders, and the NC Tennis Hall of Fame, which will be relocated to this publicly accessible state office. The Campaign will also create a sustaining fund to support the Foundation and its mission as well as continuing and expanding tennis initiatives and scholarships.
"The response from our tennis community in North Carolina has been overwhelming." said Andy Andrews, Campaign Chairman. "We are truly grateful for the support from our donors to ensure the livelihood of tennis in our great state."
Harold and Mildred Southern, of Winston-Salem, served as the Honorary Chair couple and helped kick off the Campaign last year with an inaugural donation to secure the naming rights for the new state office. The Harold T. & Mildred F. Southern North Carolina Tennis Center will serve as a place where collaboration, programming and dreaming can continue.
Mildred Southern addressed the benefits of a more easily accessible NC Tennis Hall of Fame within the new facility.
"The Hall is important for young people. We can take groups of juniors through there and it will inspire them to take up the game and play all their lives."
The Family of Emily Preyer joined together to secure the naming rights for the Foundation's Endowment Fund. By honoring Emily's energy and vision, they have provided for continued investment for the growth and support of existing and new programs to serve tennis enthusiasts for years to come. The NCTF thanks Jane B. Preyer, Rich Preyer, Jr., Britt Preyer, Mary Norris Preyer Oglesby, and Emily Preyer Fountain for the NCTF Emily Preyer Family Endowment Fund.
"She did not belong to a club growing up, she played on Greensboro city courts, and wanted other families to get the same chance," Jane B. Preyer, daughter of Emily Preyer, spoke of her mother's love and devotion for tennis, "Mom associated the joy of tennis with people and she wanted everyone to have tennis shoes, a racquet, and an opportunity."
"The NCTF made history with the first capital campaign in its 44 year existence," Paula Hale, NCTF 2003-05 President, says, "The Foundation is now an active, vibrant organization, poised to become a leader in providing support for the growth of tennis in North Carolina."
The North Carolina Tennis Foundation supports organizations and programs that enhance the lives of people through tennis and education, and preserves the history of tennis in North Carolina. For more information please visit us www.nctennis.com/foundation. If you are interested in donating to the North Carolina Tennis Foundation, please call (336) 852-8577.