Joey Gratton was a special man who always had a smile on his face, loved tennis and loved helping kids. After his death in 2011, his family created the Joey Gratton Foundation, an organization to spread Joey’s passion for competition by supporting and promoting youth in sports. The hope being, that by enabling less privileged kids to become involved in sports, it will give them a focus and a goal. Keeping kids motivated, off the streets and out of trouble.
The first annual Joe Gratton Tennis Championship Presented by The Sarasota Open benefitted The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSC). Held April 1 - 3 at the Bath and Racquet Club, the event raised more than $100,000 for the Club, which we intend to use towards our new Career Resource Center.
A special thank you goes to the Gratton family and BGCSC Foundation Board Member Barbara Lancer, whose hard work on this event really paid off for our kids.
We can't wait until next year's tournament!
