After Betsy’s death, a small group of friends got together to play mixed doubles in ner memory. An idea of Mark Fieldstein was born that day. Mark was so impressed with the care and support of the Zimmer Cancer at New Hanover Medical Center that he wanted to continue to find ways to support others who suffer through cancer in Betsy’s honor. The tournament was born.
With Mark’s vision, Nolan Smith’s management, and a crack squad of volunteers, the “Friends of Betsy” began planning. It took more than six months to organize.
Friends of Betsy
Mark and Susan Fieldstein, Co-Chairman
Nolan and Kathryn Smith, Co-Chairman
Bo and Lynn Buehler
Winston and Kim Black
David and Donna Michael
Mark Gruber
Paula Sneeden
Lynn Sledge
Jim and Dee Schmid
Angie Coats
Honorary committee member: Mark Lewis (Betsy’s Widower)
The first annual Betsy W Lewis Tennis Challenge took place at Holly Tree Racquet Club on Friday, November 21st and Saturday, November 22, 2008.
We were counting on the Wilmington tennis community to help the “Friends of Betsy” group make this event in her memory a huge success. And did they ever. We expected 120 participants. We ended up playing 240 in the tournament.
We set a goal of $10,000 and raised $14,641.50 our first year.
Thank you for making the first Betsy Lewis Tennis Challenge a fantastic event both for the Healing Arts program at the Zimmer Cancer Center, and for all of us who organized and participated in the Challenge
As we start our 2009 campaign, we look forward to the good time, the fellowship, and the success of the Tennis Challenge
