The Boca Grande Club serves up its 15th annual Professional Tennis Exhibition Series Tennis Ball and Silent Auction at 6 p.m. Jan. 23.
"Come out and meet the competing teaching professionals," Boca Grande Club pro James Labinski. "Enjoy French, Italian and Asian food, wine, cocktails, music and dancing while bidding on wine and jewelry baskets, tennis and golf packages, art, photography and a host of other offerings in the Silent Auction."
Defending champion Steve Ethier opf the Boca bay Pass Club faced 2010 runner-up, Jared Kalpin of Fort Myers, in last year's Professional Tennis Exhibition Series final at the Boca Grande Club.
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Steve Ethier once again reached the Professional Tennis Exhibition Series final last year at the Boca Grande Club.
At least three Boca Grande pros will compete, including: Tucker Lang of the Boca Grande Club, first-timer Jamie Thormann of Gasparilla Inn & Club and Ethier.
Kalpin is back, too, as is multiple tourney winner Scott Harrington of Fort Myers.
Under the series format, four teaching pros play three sets of doubles, rotating partners each set. The top two players in games won advance to the next round.
Fact Box
To Go
Who: Organizer Boca Grande Club pro James Labinski
What: Professional Tennis Exhibition Series Tennis Ball
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23
Where: Boca Grande Club
Why: Suncoast Humane Society benefit dinner and silent auction
Cost: $100
Contact: Boca Grande Club pro shop, 964-2211.
At least 60 percent of the $100 ticket will benefit the Suncoast Humane Society. Tickets are available at Suncoast, the Gasparilla Inn & Club Tennis Shop, the Boca Bay Pass Club or the Boca Grande Club. Admission to the tennis is an optional $5 donation, which goes to Suncoast Humane Society.
The exhibition series schedule at the Boca Grande Club:
Jan. 30: The opening round of the Professional Tennis Exhibition Series begins at 4 pm. The top two players in games won advance to the semifinals.
Feb. 6: The second opening round starts at 4 pm.
Feb. 13: Third opening round starts at 4 pm.
Feb. 20: Final opening round starts at 4 pm.
Feb. 27: First semifinal match starts at 4 pm.
March 6: Final semifinal match starts at 4 pm.
March 13: Finals start at 4 pm.
A barbecue and street party will complete the eight-week long celebration of tennis and animals. Street party tickets are $15, and can be purchased at any of the preceding tennis matches.
The tournament is sponsored by Gulf to Bay/Sotheby's International Realty and the Boca Grande Club. Total prize money is $4,500, with $1,000 going to the champion.
For more information, call the Boca Grande Club pro shop at 964-2211.
