Surrounded by pink balloons, the North Shore Towers and Country Club Tennis Association recently hosted its fourth potluck dinner fundraiser for cancer.
More than 40 association members brought their favorite covered dishes to the Tower’s VIP Room for an annual fundraiser held in honor of Babe Didrikson Zaharias, a female athlete who died of breast cancer.
“Cancer, in one way or another, affects everyone,” said Rick Bates, the association’s professional tennis instructor. “It’s always a fun thing to be able to play a sport you love, whether it’s tennis or golf, and then be able to do it for a good cause.”
Along with 65 other country clubs in Long Island, the North Shore Towers and Country Club Tennis and Golf Associations work together during ‘Babe Zaharias week’ to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
“Our motto is ‘Together we can make a difference,’ and we constantly work for the American Cancer Society and hope that somewhere along the way they find a cure,” said Harriet Lane, a member of the Tower’s Golf Association who chaired the golf fundraising tournament and spoke at the dinner.
This year the Tennis Association raised more than $1,200 for the American Cancer Society.
“We have a nice turnout, and the food is delicious,” said Annalies Karp, the president of the Tennis Association.
The potluck boasted an array of homemade dishes, including pasta primavera, noodle pudding and lasagna.
“Everybody’s efforts were wonderful,” said Eneas Arkawy, a tennis and golf association member.
The couscous, zucchini and sweet and sour meatballs, said Arkawy, were her favorite dishes.
Members also enjoyed a large selection of desserts, such as carrot cheesecake and cinnamon rugulah.
“It is so important to be personally involved and know that you’ve done something,” said Bobby Gould, who has been a member of the Tennis Association for 11 years. Aside from the annual cancer fundraiser, the association offers its members other opportunities to socialize off of the tennis courts. “It [the association] keeps us involved here in North Shore Towers,” said Gould. “It’s a way of life.” In addition to playing tennis nearly every day, association members participate in social events, including dinner and theater outings and weekend bagel breakfasts. “We are here 10 years, and we love it,” said Arlene Leaderman said on behalf of herself and her husband. “I’m thankful we still play tennis.”
