PUT YOUR GENEROSITY BOOTS ON

By now, most (if not all) of you have heard about the ‘Racquet Up Detroit’ program run by our very own DAC member Derek Aguirre. If you haven’t, then I suggest you click into his website: http://www.racquetup.org/ and read an interview I did with him on this blog: http://thesquashjoint.blogspot.com/2010/11/meet-member-2.html .

It is truly inspirational what Derek is doing and achieving with this program. Many of our DAC members donate their time and help out on a regular basis with either the on-court squash instruction, or in the classroom teaching these underprivileged children from the poorest areas of our city. It is giving all of these kids a chance to succeed in life. A chance they would surely never have a hope of receiving otherwise. But running such a program costs money, and that money must come from somewhere. To run Racquet Up Detroit successfully, Derek relies on the kindness and generosity from companies and individuals that are willing to donate dollars, services, products and time. For example, I know that DAC member Ken Stann, who represents the SVS Vision Company, donated his time and services and gave all the kids in the program eye-exams and then provided glasses to the many that needed them. It is just one of the many ways you could help out too.

On Saturday, May 14 at the DAC, headed by the MSRA, we are hosting the third annual Junior Fundraising Benefit. Starting at 12pm, the schedule is as follows:

• 12pm – Junior exhibition games. These games will include juniors from the Racquet Up Detroit program as well as top juniors from the Detroit area.
• 1:15pm – Derek will speak about his program and how you can help out.
• 1.30pm – Pro Exhibition. I will be attempting to relive the good ‘ol days and pretend to practice what I preach. Who I will be playing is unclear right now. It may be BAC pro Julian Wellings, however I hear the poor lad is having his wisdom teeth removed 2 days prior to the event, which I think would rule him out. It may be Mark Porter from Windsor otherwise.
• 2.30pm – MSRA awards.

So come to the DAC and support these kids, help shape their future. Every single type of donation will be greatly appreciated and needed. The fee to attend is $25 if you register early or $30 the day of. Net proceeds go towards Racquet Up Detroit. Pop and a keg will be provided along with snacks. Your account can be charged for the fee and I will then pass along a check to the MSRA. Or you can pay MSRA directly on the day.

Make a difference in these kids’ lives.