What began last year as a small tennis tournament, run by a couple of high school kids, has expanded into a mens doubles tennis tournament and a volleyball tournament, featuring over 100 participants.
At about 10 am, the players, kids and young adults ranging in age from 12 to 25, begin to roll into Samantha and Bobby Hararys home. They grabbed something to eat and collected their bags, which included a dri-fit shirt, sweatpants and a towel. They were then sent to the courts to play their regular season games. The competition was fierce, but only eight teams from volleyball and eight teams from tennis advanced to the playoffs.
The quarter and semi-finals in both sports were filled with great serving and unbelievable shots and slams. The volleyball finals featured Max Antar, Eliyahu Abisrour, Eliemayer Ghoori, Celia Tawil and Linda Shamoula against Joseph Kadosh, Richie Mizrahi, Elliot Michael, Cynthia Romano and Rency Katach. Max Antars team, who had a perfect season on the line, played great volleyball and emerged victorious with a score of 21-13.
The tennis finals featured 12 year old prodigy, David Mizrahi, and his teammate, Steven Jemal, against Joe Greenberg and his brother, Lew Grazi. The first few games went back and forth with Greenberg/Grazi leading 4 to 3. After a few more games, we had a 5 to 5 tie, then the darkness came over the sky. The ball was no longer visible and everyone wanted to know one thing: how were we going to finish this epic match?
One phone call was made and everyone headed to the home of Shirley and Michael Cayre, who were very gracious. The finals were planned to continue at 8:45 pm, on a lighted court. The teams continued their match. David Mizrahi and Steven Jemal took it home with a winning score of 7 to 5. The teams shook hands and the winners then raised their crystal trophies and iHomes into the air. The committee and I breathed a sigh of relief because we knew that after a long day, the event was a success and we were going to help feed so many of the impoverished in our community.
Baruch Hashem, the event raised a substantial amount of money for the Sephardic Food Fund, one of the major organizations helping the community today. Not only does it put food on peoples tables, it puts smiles on their faces.
Of course, credit must be given where credit is due. Therefore, I would like to thank our sponsors, who gave generously. I would also like to thank our hosts, Samantha and Bobby Harary. There arent words to describe their kindness and hospitality. I must also thank my committee: without them, this event could not have happened. And finally, I would like to thank my parents, Ceryse and Eddie Mizrahi, who constantly give me words of inspiration. My hope is that next year the event will be an even bigger success!
