Pillars of Hope Tennis Smash to benefit children with life-threatening illnesses
The Mitchell Thorp Foundation and San Diego Aviators of World Team Tennis have partnered up to present the Pillars of Hope Tennis Smash at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa on Sunday, July 31. This smashing event will feature top-ranked professional tennis players in the world such as James Blake, Shelby Rogers and more, all coming together for a great cause.
Proceeds from the dinner, tennis play, and silent and live auctions will benefit the Mitchell Thorp Foundation (MTF) a public 501c3 organization, that was founded in 2009 by Brad and Beth Thorp in honor of their teenage son, Mitchell, who died of an undiagnosed illness in 2008. The Foundation’s mission is to help families in the region, who have children suffering from life-threatening illnesses, diseases and disorders, by providing financial, emotional support and resources to their desperate situations. In addition, the “Pillars of Hope” award will be given out that evening which honors top doctors, educators, therapists, and practitioners. These individuals are pillars of strength in the community, immensely supportive, and these honorees continue to go above and beyond the call of duty in caring for their patients and educating the public on health and wellness.
Beth Thorp talked about the programs: “MTF has four programs that have given families relief from their desperate situations. Ninety cents to every dollar goes to these programs to help families and their children. MTF pays the vendor directly to ensure the child receives all the care they need. MTF programs include: Medical and Home Assistance Program, Healing and Rehabilitation, Conversion Mobility Van Program and Youth Leadership Council empowering our youth through the MTF’s Leadership program to make a difference in the community in which they serve.”
The Pillars of Hope Tennis Smash will take place at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road Carlsbad, 92009 from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday, July 31. The event will include dinner stations with wine pairing, cash bar, live music, silent and live auction, to include fabulous trips to Napa Valley to tour the wine country, five-star resort in Cabo San Lucas, and much more. Packages include $125 per person for dinner, entertainment, live and silent auction only 4-7 p.m. VIP package $250 per person all inclusive: dinner, entertainment, silent and live auction, and VIP seats to the San Diego Aviators home opener against Orange County Breakers, match begins at 7 p.m.
The San Diego Aviators are thrilled to support and team up with Mitchell Thorp Foundation. When MTF experienced a San Diego Aviators match they never knew tennis could be so much fun. ‘This is not your grandmother’s tennis,’ said a team representative. “WTT is a high-energy, social, and interactive tennis event and not your typical hush-hush match. There is interaction with the players that you would never experience at U.S. Open or Wimbledon-type tournaments,” mentioned General Manager and Assistant Head Coach, Jim Ault.
“We are formulating the ultimate fan experience that has never been existent in tennis before…that is what World Team Tennis is about: bringing players, fans, partners, and the community together in an auspicious and enlightening way,” said Director of Marketing and Partnerships, Erin VandenBergh. ‘Experience Tennis Like Never Before!’
To purchase tickets, go to: www.mitchellthorp.org/events