Clark Rec's First Tennis Tourney Raises Money for Sandy Victims

Clark Recreation held the first ever Tennis Tournament this weekend to raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief.

The event was initiated and run by James Villari, a Clark resident and avid tennis player. Twenty-two Men’s Singles players signed up and registered for the tournament. There were 11 doubles teams and six women that also played.

The event raised $500 to be donated to the Salvation Army for Sandy relief.

Villari did all the legwork to get the event off the ground including soliciting donations from Clark Chiropractic, Northeast planning corp, Shoprite and Vaccaro's bakery, as well as giveaways from the Salvation Army.

Play began Friday at 3 p.m. and concluded Sunday at 3 p.m. Trophies were donated by Vaccaro’s Bakery.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to James for taking charge and making the event happen for such a great cause,” said Rec Director Ralph Bernardo. "Hopefully this will be the first of many tennis tournaments to come.