For the past few years the Cary Tennis Park, one of the finest public tennis facilities in the country located 
in Cary, NC, has hosted a Cancer Fundraiser called Jimmy V Rackets for Research. The fundraiser is tied to the Jimmy V foundation, which ties back to Jim Valvano, former NCSU Basketball Coach, and philanthropist.
I have been involved heavily in tennis in the area for many years and this cause is one of the best fundraisers in the Triangle area. My husband Mauro, and his partner, won the championship last year. This year there are four
opportunities to play with the pros - among them are Don Johnson, Tim Wilkinson, Stan Smith, and Rick Leach. Each of these players are famous in their own right and could hold court with the greats!
My friend, Pam Gilbert, who is on two of my USTA Teams, is a pro at Cary Tennis Park, and she reminded me tonight of this great event.
Don't miss it!
Tracy, I grew up in the Jim Valvano days of coaching NC State Wolfpack basketball. No one had more enthusiasm for life. This event is great for cancer research. Thanks for the beautiful post.
Tracy..... not sure if you watch ESPN or if you watched the ESPYs last night.... but Jimmy V also has a golf tournament every year and they mentioned it last night that it raised over 1 million dollars, all of which every dime went to the foundaion. He is such an inspiration and leader for so many.
I have to admit I used to stay up every Sunday night til midnight to watch the Jim Valvano show starting back in the late 70s. And I'm a Carolina fan! He was something special. I actually won a fair amount of money the year State won the NCAAs, betting for State with my UNC fans, starting at the ACC tournament. That run to the national championship was the most amazing fairytale story I've ever witnessed.
Jeff,
I know all about the golf tournament. It used to take place at my club - Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, NC until ~2 years ago. Then they moved it to Pinehurst- guess the celebrities like Pinehurst #2 Golf Course better than our PGA Seniors Tour(I can't blame them).
They kept the Tennis tournament in Cary...Jim Valvano is a legacy in this area and the cancer research work that is being done on his half helps carry along his good name.