The Community Alliance for Healthy Kids, an organization that serves families who live in or attend the School District of Clayton, hosted the 15th Annual Clayton Shaw Park Open on August 25-30, 2009 raising almost $2,000 for projects and programs to benefit Clayton youth. Around 100 youth and adults registered to play in the USTA-sanctioned tournament. Events included men's and women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles as well as events for youth ages 10-18. There was also a fun parent/child doubles event. An essential part of hosting this event is the continued support from the City of Clayton, who generously donates the courts each year and the Community Alliance volunteers, who donate their time to help make this event a success.
Like every year, this year's tournament was filled with great competition, good sportsmanship and friendship. However, this year was special in a new way as the tournament was dedicated to one of its most giving spirits, Jackie Levine, who passed away this summer. Best friends and Community Alliance members, Jackie Levine and Susie Luten dedicated countless hours volunteering as referees for the tournament year after year. Jackie and Susie enjoyed a love of tennis together starting as teammates for Clayton High School in the 1970s. Thirty years later, their children also played tennis for CHS.
Jackie was a wonderful friend to everyone who knew her and an active member of the Clayton community. She organized the Community Alliance Social Activities for Wydown Middle School for many years, taught classes at Wellbridge and was an inspiring example of living a healthy life style and living a life of service to others. Jackie will continue to inspire everyone who knew her to find time to be there for his or her families, friends and charity. It was an honor to have the Clayton Shaw Park Open in memory of Jackie Levine.
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