Sitting on the bleachers on the upper courts Wednesday was a lady who came to watch some tennis and enjoy the sunshine. Probably without realizing it, she represented something very special in the life of our tournament. As I learned some of her story I felt very thankful for the time I spend raising money for New Outlook through this event because she represented someone who was touched by New Outlook volunteers and also by our event.

She traveled from Chicago to Little Rock to have a bone marrow transplant at UAMS and this week was one of the first days she felt good enough to get outside and enjoy the Spring air. As a tennis player, she wanted to come enjoy the tournament. She was wearing one of the handmade caps made by a New Outlook volunteer and enjoyed visiting with Alesa in the tournament room, thanking her for all that New Outlook had done for her during this time in her life. She is a symbol of what we are doing and why we are volunteering so much of our time each year.

If you are not already a Virtual Player, please take the time to sign up now - this is a way for you to donate $25 in return for everything you receive from this event and to reach out and touch someone who is at a point in their life that needs a touch and maybe even a New Outlook during a difficult time. For your donation you will receive an awesome tournament t-shirt.