The Tennis Ball and Silent Auction will feature a Premium Wine Raffle at $20 a pop.
Primo offerings include the "Showket," 2005 Cabernet; the "Caymus," 2010 Cabernet; the "Beaulieu George de la Tour Private Reserve," 2003 Cabernet; and the "Silver Oaks," 2008 Cabernet.
Twenty items are part of this year's silent auction at 6 p.m. Wednesday, January 23 at the Clubhouse Restaurant of the Boca Grande Club. Food, drinks, music and dancing are included in the price of admission.
Article Photos
Auction wines, from left: “Showket,” 2005 Cabernet; the “Caymus,” 2010 Cabernet; the “Beaulieu George de la Tour Private Reserve,” 2003 Cabernet; and the “Silver Oaks,” 2008 Cabernet.
The Tennis Ball, the kickoff event of the 15th annual Professional Tennis Exhibition Series, will feature the competing teaching professionals and French, Italian and Asian food.
Organizer and Boca Grande Club pro James Labinski said the evening will also include wine, cocktails, music and dancing along with bidding on wine and jewelry baskets, tennis and golf packages, art and photography.
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 Steve Ethier of the Boca Bay Pass Club.
Fact Box
To Go
What: Professional Tennis Exhibition Series
Who: Boca Grande Club pro and series organizer James Labinski
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.
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.
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.
All exhibition matches begin at 4 p.m. at the Boca Grande Club in the following schedule:
Jan. 30: The opening round of the Professional Tennis Exhibition Series. Top two players in games won advance to the semifinals.
Feb. 6: Second opening round.
Feb. 13: Third opening round.
Feb. 20: Final opening round.
Feb. 27: First semifinal match.
March 6: Final semifinal match.
March 13: Finals.
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.
