2009 marks the 29th year that ìStop World Hungerî has been using tennis events to help the hungry throughout the world. During this time, more than $99,000 has been forwarded to Catholic Relief Services to assist them in their efforts to feed hungry children in more than 100 countries. In addition, much nonperishable food has been collected for the hungry of Long Island.

The ìStop World Hungerî schedule for 2009 begins with a tennis party at Carefree Racquet Club in North Merrick on Saturday evening, March 21. Participants are guaranteed two hours of playing time and light refreshments. Funds raised will be used for famine relief and canned food will be collected for a local food pantry. The cost is $15 per player and $7.50 for non-players.

Next up will be the annual ìStop World Hungerî Spring Tennis Tournament. Events consist of singles for men and women, as well as doubles for men, women and mixed teams. Depending upon registration, divisions are established according to ability levels and geographic location. The tournament format consists of no elimination, round-robin play. Matches are best 2 out of 3 sets and awards are presented to the top players in each division.

In recent years, Roslyn residents, including Buddy Bravo, have taken part in the tennis action.

The cost for the tournament is $6 for singles and $10 for doubles. The registration deadline is Wednesday, March 25. Matches are to be played between April 4 ñ June 7. Participants schedule their own matches at mutually convenient times and sites. Awards will be presented at a tennis party at Carefree Racquet Club scheduled for Saturday evening, June 20.

If you have any questions or would like applications and/or more information, you can write to: Stop World Hunger Tennis, 53 Elm Place, Amityville, NY 11701. Or, you may call Matt at 1-631-789-3618.