The public is invited to purchase tickets for the drawing that entitles them entry to the finals match of the MIMA Foundation Pro Tennis Classic on Sunday, May 2^nd.  The winner will be announced immediately following the Finals. One need not be present to win.  Tickets to win the 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine 2010 C300 Sport Sedan can be purchased for $150 donation at the following locations: Mercedes-Benz of Melbourne, Kiwi Tennis Club, Beachside Physical Therapy or online at wwww.mimafoundatintennisclassic.org.  Only 750 tickets will be available. You must be 18 years or older to receive a ticket. Official rules and regulations can be found on the MIMA Foundation Tennis Classic web site.

Funds raised from the tournament support the MIMA Foundation Scholarship Fund that awards college scholarships to Brevard County residents pursuing education in the healthcare field. Funding also supports the Patient Grant Fund that awards grants to cover non-medical costs incurred during an acute course of medical treatment such as childcare, transportation and home repair. MIMA Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization.

For MIMA Foundation Pro Tennis Classic sponsorship opportunities, to purchase tickets, or to make a donation to the Foundation, contact Holly Baney, Executive Director, at (321) 698-0888 or visit the tournament website at http://www.mimafoundationtennisclassic.org/.

Considered a launching pad for future tennis superstars, the MIMA Foundation USTA Pro Tennis Classic will showcase top ranked tennis players. The USTA Pro Circuit was launched more than 30 years ago and is America’s gateway to tennis stardom, providing players an opportunity to gain professional ranking points needed to compete on the major tours.  Last year’s winner Melanie Oudin won her way to the Quarterfinals of the U.S. Open in New York City and had an amazing year overall.   Nineteen-year-old Oudin, is currently ranked 41 in the world.  The MIMA Foundation/USTA Tennis Classic is an opportunity for fans to experience the excitement and intensity of professional tennis right here in Brevard County. 

As well as great tennis, the Pro Circuit players will be active in community outreach. They will participate in local school visits to serve as role models and provide motivation for children throughout the county; and will host a free Kid’s Day Clinic at Kiwi Tennis Club to promote tennis in Brevard.  It’s a great opportunity to have a positive impact on our local talent and youth. The events are free to the public Sunday, May 2 through Thursday, May 6. Tickets may be purchased for Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals matches taking place May 7^th - 9^th.

Tournament proceeds benefit the MIMA Foundation of Brevard’s Patient Grant and Healthcare Scholarship Funds.  The Patient Grant Fund provides grants for non medical costs such as childcare, mortgage/rent assistance and transportation during an acute course of treatment such as cancer care.  The Healthcare Career Scholarship Fund awards college scholarships to deserving individuals pursuing or furthering their education in the healthcare field.

Featured Events

May 2               Health First Health Plans Kid’s Day - Games, clinics, treats and fun. (FREE)

May 5               LifeShape Health Awareness Day - Lectures, question and answers, venders (FREE)

May 6               MIMA Cancer Center Space Coast Ladies Day - Must sign-up in advance (FREE)

May 7               Quarterfinals (tickets required)

May 8               Semifinals (ticket required)

May 9               Finals (tickets required) - Featuring Mercedes-Benz car giveaway

For sponsorship opportunities, to purchase tickets, or to make a donation to the Foundation, contact Holly Baney, Executive Director, at (321) 698-0888, email director@mimafoundation.org or visit the tournament website at http://www.mimafoundationtennisclassic.org/.

MELBOURNE, FL - Several area healthcare organizations along with local restaurants, businesses, and charities are teaming up to put on a major community relief effort this weekend.

On Sunday, January 24, 2010 from 1 pm to 4 pm, the “Brevard for Haiti” campaign will stage a relief fair at the Melbourne MIMA medical complex, located at 1223 Gateway Drive, Melbourne, FL. The event, organized by doctors at MIMA, will raise thousands of dollars for Haitian relief efforts.

The public is invited to come out and experience the live reggae music by local band “Over the Void”, and meet world famous Pro Surfers Mike Detemple and CJ Hobgood who will be signing autographs in exchange for donations. The “Big Red Bus” blood mobile is expected be on location as part of a local blood drive effort. 

Among the organizations participating are The Red Cross, The United Way, The Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity, and others. The public is invited to attend the event and encouraged to give as much as they can to the relief efforts.

“As doctors, it’s our nature to want to help, especially in such a devastating situation. For those of us who can’t personally reach out to patients in Haiti, this is the best way we know to offer assistance,” said Dr. Peter Marzano. “The doctors on the scene are quickly running out of vital supplies, and hopefully the money we raise here will help them to help others.” The Brevard for Haiti Relief Fair is sponsored by MIMA, Health First, Cancer Care Centers of Brevard, Wuesthoff Health Systems, Osler Medical, Mercedes-Benz of Melbourne, BIMDA, Florida’s Blood Centers, JJ’s Screen Printing & Emroidery, McBride Woodbridge Marketing, Patient Point, Art-Kraft Sign Company, and the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

Wild Card Tournament

Friday, April 23rd 

1^st Round - 9:00 am, 2^nd Round - 1:00 pm, Finals round - 6:00 pm 

Click here

To host Ball Kids Open Tryout at Kiwi Tennis Club

Tryouts will start at 1:00 pm sharp, on Sunday, March 8, 2009 at Kiwi Tennis Club in Indian

The MIMA Foundation USTA Pro Tennis Classic is host to top ranked tennis players. Ranked as high as number 25 in the world, players are regulars at the WTA Tour events and are among top contenders at Grand Slam Tournaments. The weeklong event will feature women’s professional tennis including singles and doubles.

Funds raised from the tournament support the MIMA Foundation Scholarship Fund that awards college scholarships to Brevard

For information regarding the tryouts contact Joey Cacciatore at (321) 591-0458.  For MIMA Foundation Pro Tennis Classic sponsorship opportunities, to purchase tickets, or to make a donation to the Foundation, contact Holly Baney, Executive Director, at (321) 698-0888 or visit the tournament website at www.mimafoundationtennisclassic.org.

                 

                

MAKE HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER TENNIS LICENSE PLATE IN FLORIDA

The new State of Florida Tennis License plate was formally accepted at a meeting of the Florida Cabinet on Sept. 30, 2008 at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee. Electra Theodorides-Bustle, Executive Director, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) respectfully submitted the plate on behalf of the USTA Florida Section Foundation. Gov. Charlie Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum, and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, unanimously approved the Florida Tennis specialty license plate, which becomes the first tennis license plate in the state of  Florida. 

 “On behalf of the USTA Florida Section Foundation and USTA Florida, we are very excited about the possibilities that the revenue from the license plate will bring to the citizens and the visitors of Florida for many years to come,” said Linda Curtis, Director of Community Tennis, USTA Florida. “Ninety percent of earnings from annual user fees will be used for grants back to the community.”  Individuals who purchase the license plate will not only be a part of tennis history in Florida, but will have an opportunity to show their love of the sport and feel good doing it — knowing that they are giving back to their communities.

“With the foundation’s mission “to improve the health and quality of life for all Floridians through tennis” we will now have even more opportunities for children and adults of all ages and all abilities to learn and play tennis at quality facilities across the state,” said Jean Mills, USTA Florida Section Foundation President and Director of Tennis, Polo Club Boca Raton. “The proceeds of the Play Tennis license plate will allow the foundation to assist other non-profit organizations so they can create tennis programs for our Florida youth, operate tennis programs for people with special needs of all ages, and for the building and renovating of quality public tennis facilities.” Tennis is the fastest growing traditional sport in the United States and with 2 million players in Florida alone, final Cabinet approval for the specialty plate ensures that USTA Florida and the Section Foundation will help provide the infrastructure of tennis courts and quality programs on those courts to match the future growth of tennis. 

 “The exciting possibilities of this accomplishment by the Florida Section Foundation are huge,” said Celia Rehm, past president of USTA Florida. “We are asking the multitude of tennis players and tennis enthusiasts in Florida to continue to show their passion for tennis and help us expand the visibility of the tennis brand exponentially by purchasing a Play Tennis specialty plate.”Designed by USTA Florida League Tennis Assistant, Dona Garcia, “Play Tennis” specialty license plate is now available for purchase at your local Department of Motor Vehicles.  Renew or switch your license plate at any time by visiting the DMV! 

### 

Established in 1949, USTA Florida is a section of the United States Tennis Association. It is a not-for-profit volunteer organization with more than 49,000 members, 1,000 organizational members and a $3.3 million budget. As the official governing body of tennis in Florida, USTA Florida operates from an executive office in Daytona Beach with 27 staff members and more than 600 volunteers throughout the state working towards a mission to promote and develop tennis in Florida. To learn more about USTA Florida, visit our web site: www.ustaflorida.com.

A sponsor kick-off party “From Melbourne, FL to Melbourne, Australia and Back” was held on 1/28/09 at the Mercedes-Benz of Melbourne dealership.  Mercedes-Benz of  Melbourne has generously committed to being the MIMA Foundation Pro Tennis Classic presenting sponsor for 2009, in addition to providing all player transportation.   This party was held to coincide with the Australian Open to emphasize the caliber of the athletes that compete at our tournament and at Grand Slam events.  Adding to the excitement of the evening was a visit by former World No. 1 Ivan Lendl.  Mr. Lendl charmed the crowd, signed autographs, posed for photos and explained to the guests how important the Pro Circuit is to developing players.