NJ students raise $60K to bring tennis to Newark youth
New Jersey high school students raised $60,000 at a charity tennis event Tuesday to help approximately 180 Newark-area children learn and play the sport this fall.
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Students from Newark Academy in Livingston spent Tuesday evening teaching dozens of young children the game of tennis. It’s part of an effort to introduce kids to a game and skillset that can improve lives on and off the court.
Around 70 kids and dozens of volunteers participated in the event at Center Court Athletic Club in Chatham. The fundraiser was put on by Rally for Tennis, a student-run organization supporting Greater Newark Tennis and Education.
Volunteers presented a $60,000 check that will help keep about 180 children playing tennis in the Newark area this fall. The money helps cover costs like racquets, balls, court time, instructors and sneakers.
Parents like Ruth Rodriguez believe the program teaches great life lessons and provides a positive outlet. Her daughter Julissa first picked up a racquet at age 7.
The 180 children will now be able to play tennis into the fall on some of the best courts in Essex County. Greater Newark Tennis and Education is based at the Althea Gibson Tennis Courts in Branch Brook Park.
