Tennis Fundraiser Brings in Thousands For Northside Hospital Cancer Institute

Submitted by Northside Hospital

The Northside Hospital Foundation, Inc. took its fight to center court this October with its 12th annual Tennis Against Breast Cancer fundraiser.

More than 1,000 women participated in the four events in north Fulton and Forsyth and helped the Foundation raise more than $156,000 for digital screening mammograms provided through the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.

“It’s amazing to see how our Tennis Against Breast Cancer events have grown over the past 12 years,” said Freda Hardage, director of the Northside Hospital Foundation. “So many of our participants and teams have been with us since the early years and we are honored to have their continued support.”

Each event began with a morning clinic of fundamental tennis drills with Atlanta tennis pros, followed by a gourmet luncheon and fashion show of the latest tennis fashions. Survivor Dawn Hood spoke to luncheon guests about her journey through breast cancer and reminded everyone of why they were there.

Dr. Lynn Baxter, director of breast imaging at Northside, gave everyone the latest information into the diagnosis, treatment and research of the disease. Participants also enjoyed raffle and door prizes, chair massages, team photos, Panera Pink Ribbon Bagels, TABC pullovers and other surprises.

All proceeds from the registration fees, raffle items and other donations from this year’s TABC ladies days are going to the Northside Hospital Foundation’s Breast Care Fund to help Northside Hospital Cancer Institute provide life-saving digital screening mammograms for underinsured women in the community. Northside’s Cancer Institute diagnoses and treats more women with breast cancer than anyone in the Southeast.

For the second year, participants had an opportunity to take their personal fundraising efforts online. One-hundred-eighty ladies raised approximately $25,000 — equal to 200 digital screening mammograms — through online fundraising. Sharon Hendricks of Cumming, from Team Called To Serve, and Amanda Kokan of Marietta, from Team SSTC A3 Business Women, were the top two fundraisers, each raising more than $2,000 for the Breast Care Fund.

Host tennis centers included Atlanta Athletic Club, The Manor Golf & Country Club, Polo Golf & Country Club, The Standard Club, The Falls of Autry Mill and St. Ives Country Club. WSB-TV’s Rachel Stockman, Katie Walls and Karen Minton served as the events’ emcees.

The coveted cranberry TABC long-sleeved pullover is still available for purchase. For more information about it or other ways to support the Northside Hospital Foundation, visit https://give.northside.com or call 770-667-4483.

Photo: members of the Called To Serve team. Credit: Northside Hospital