The Junior Philanthropists, a group of students age 9-17 years-old, are finalizing plans for their second annual Youth 4 Youth Tennis Tournament on St Thomas. The three-day tennis tournament is a Virgin Island Tennis Association (VITA) sanctioned event and is open to tennis players up to 18 years old.
The tournament will take place on March 1-3, at the St. Thomas Yacht Club. The three-day event will welcome youth from all over the U.S. Virgin Islands. The registration deadline is Feb. 23. The tournament will have categories for players between the ages of 7-18. In addition, there will be an under 10-year-old Quick Start category, a U.S. Tennis Association format for novice players that offers a shortened tennis court and low-pressure balls in a fun environment for early players.
With the support of the St Thomas Yacht Club, which will host the event, the organization has been working to attract corporate and private as well as funding for important youth educational projects in the territory.
“Last year was our first event, and we were excited to have so many youth from all over the territory attending the Youth 4 Youth Tennis Tournament,” said 14-year old Nicholas Midler, a founding member of the Junior Philanthropists. “What is truly amazing is we attracted some wonderful community support and raised $7,000 last year that went directly to a variety of very worthy causes.”
Since last year’s event, the organization, which was formed under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI), has grown in size and stature. The group has attracted student members, who are getting hands-on experience in all aspects of planning and running a community event – and then working together to determine how to allocate the money they raised. Interested members work in their areas of interest and pay a membership fee according to their age.
“It’s pretty cool being involved with the Junior Philanthropists,” said 11-year old Julian van den Driessche. “Everyone does something different from designing posters, Web site and T-shirts – to figuring out where we will donate the money we raise.”
Last year, the group selected worthwhile programs to support including My Brother’s Workshop, scholarships for youth programs at Pistarckle Theater and an orphanage. This year, it is reaching out further to potential donors and have the goal of raising even more funds for worthy education focused projects in the Territory.
“We have some exciting opportunities to raise some much needed funds this year,” said member Benjamin Shapiro. “We will be selling food and drinks at the tournament and trying to spread our message of youth giving back to youth.”
“Thanks to a commitment from the Henry U. Wheatley Fund at CFVI, there will be a dollar-for-dollar match up to $10,000 for every donation made to support the Junior Philanthropists,” added Nicholas Midler. “We feel honored that Mr. Wheatley believes in our cause and is supporting our efforts.
Contributions to the Junior Philanthropists are tax deductible and can be made online at www.y4ytennis.com – select “How do I sponsor the event?” Or contact the Junior Philanthropists at JPFundVI@gmail.com
The organization thanks its sponsors for their generous support of the event. Major sponsors of the Youth 4 Youth Tennis Tournament include Fintrac, SPCH LLC, Virgin Islands Ear, Nose and Throat, First Bank, Scotiabank and St Thomas Sleep Center.
About the Junior Philanthropists of St Thomas: Founded by students at Antilles School, the Junior Philanthropists is a registered not-for-profit organization in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. Members are committed to identifying specific educational needs in the U.S.V.I. community and working to raise funds through events and projects such as the Youth 4 Youth Tennis Tournament. All contributions are tax deductible and will go directly toward worthwhile educational programs for youths in need.
For more information contact: Monica Midler at (415) 218-3938 or Charlotte Wardell at 227-2477. www.y4ytennis.com jpfundvi@gmail.com
