Hitting out For A Good Cause.

A bright sunny day, 54 tennis players, gourmet lunch, raffles and prizes created a fundraising recipe for success for Mercy Hospice Auckland. The inaugural Pat McKenzie Memorial Tennis Tournament took place on Friday 4th September and raised close to $17,000 towards the palliative care services of the Hospice.

Players participated in a Doubles tournament which meant there were many happy winners to take home prizes. Tennis players and spectators also participated in a live auction where a painting by New Zealand artist, Helena Blair sold for $2000.00, and where "nothing" sold for $200.00. To sweeten things up there was an array of delicious jams and chutneys available for sale and Christmas cake from The Great New Zealand Christmas Cake to sample and buy for Christmas.

Volunteer and Event Coordinator for this tournament, Sue Rowell was most impressed with the generosity from the sponsors, players and spectators and is delighted with the amount raised.