Carlsbad CA— In a word, Hospice of the North Coast’s (HNC’s) inaugural Mary Laver Memorial Tennis Event on March 5, 2016 will be … LEGENDARY. Legendary tennis players and a legendary love between a husband and wife will combine as Honorary Event Chairman and two-time Grand Slam winner Rod Laver welcomes retired pro tennis greats, adroit amateurs and enthusiastic guests to an action-packed day in honor of his beloved late wife, Mary. Rod and Mary experienced HNC’s caring and compassionate services before she died in 2012 at age 84.
The pro-am event will be held at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad. It is open to the public, with admission prices beginning at $10 for an all-day grounds pass. Meet-and-greet reception tickets are $75. Information and registration are at www.hospicenorthcoast.org. Until sold out, pro-am amateur spots are available for $500.
Among the dozen legendary tennis pros scheduled to appear is Bob Lutz, a renowned singles and doubles champion. Bob is married to Sharon Lutz, HNC’s Executive Director. She states, “We wanted to make the event a fun extravaganza in memory of the spirited Mary Laver. The interactive event will be spectacular for spectators, who can enjoy the reception, silent auction and even some tennis coaching by appointment from Rod Laver throughout the day.”
Guests can purchase $50 opportunity tickets for a cruise for two on Holland America Lines. The tickets are also available before the March 5th event on HNC’s website. The winner need not be present to win.
A preview of the Mary Laver Memorial Tennis Event is showcased on the February 2016 KOCT “Oceanside Spectrum.” The show, which is hosted by Elaine Swann and features HNC’s Sharon Lutz and Shelly Dew, airs on TV (Cable Channel 18), and streams and airs on-demand throughout February at www.koct.org. In the show, Swann, a local lifestyle and etiquette expert, shares her own positive experiences with HNC, saying she admires the way in which the organization provides exceptional care not only for patients but for their families and the community as a whole.
Lutz says, “We look forward to welcoming tennis legends and guests to the debut of this signature annual fundraiser, which primarily benefits our Pacifica House in-patient facility. We are greatly appreciative of all contributions at this event and anytime throughout the year. Our donors’ support helps us maintain dignity, comfort and highest quality of life for those we serve, regardless of their ability to pay.”
About HNC
Nonprofit Hospice of the North Coast was established in 1980 to fill the need for comprehensive, compassionate hospice care in North County San Diego. Since its inception, it has grown in services, staff and clients. It currently provides a full spectrum of programs to terminally ill patients and their families, including bereavement support, as well as stabilizing care at Carlsbad-based Pacifica House, North County’s first and only hospice residence.