Teen Volunteers Raise $28,000+ for Families Facing Childhood Cancer at 2nd Annual “Hit it for Hatch” Tennis Tournament

• Doubles up-down tennis mixer took place January 6that the Strang-Voges McCallie tennis center
• Presented by Tennessee Oncology
• All funds help Foundation provide services to families faced with pediatric cancer
• “Hit It for Hatch” fundraiser expanding to pickleball and volleyball in 2024
  

BY CLAUDIA FINLAY AND AVERY LISTEN

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (January 22, 2024) – The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer (AHF) Teen Ambassadors hosted their second annual “Hit It for Hatch” tennis tournament fundraiser presented by Tennessee Oncology on January 6, 2024. This all-age event was held at the McCallie School indoor tennis courts. All funds raised go back to the Foundation’s efforts in erasing the effects of pediatric cancer.

AHF's “Hit It for Hatch” series is put on by a select group of dedicated teenage volunteers, as part of AHF’s Teen Ambassador Program (TAP). These teenagers work on event logistics, get sponsors, and help organize all aspects of the “Hit It for Hatch” series, which this year included tennis (January), Pickleball (March), and Sand Volleyball (July).

January’s tennis tournament was a success, kicking off 2024 to a great start for the TAP volunteers. The tennis play began at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning and gameplay was a doubles up-down fashion, where points were played until a timer went off. Then, each winning team moved up a court, while the losing team moved down, switching teammates each round. After a few rounds of this up-down game play, the final winner duo on the top court claimed the “Hit It for Hatch” Champion title and won the grand prize. The tournament consisted of four flights: adult fun, middle school, high school, and adult competitive. All participants received event t-shirts and special swag bags filled with goodies from sponsors and the Austin Hatcher Foundation. There were also door prizes during each flight, consisting of gift cards, t-shirts, and more.

“Although I have no tennis experience, being involved in the HIFH tennis tournament last year was so fun and fulfilling,” said Co-Chair and Teen Ambassador, Avery Listen. “Working to benefit such a great cause fills me with so much pride and joy, and I hope this year’s ‘Hit It for Hatch’ events will be even more successful than last year’s.”

This year’s “Hit It for Hatch” tennis tournament raised over $28,000. The presenting sponsor was presented by Tennessee Oncology. Other sponsors included McCallie School, Talley Construction, Chattanooga Christian School, Sawrie Orthodontics, Little Coyote, Mountain View Ford, XSV Beachg, Scenic City Orthodontics, Erlanger Neurosurgery and Spine, and Image Works.

With one of three 2024 events finished, the TAP volunteers now turn their attention toward March’s Pickleball tournament. Registration is open now at https://www.hatcherfoundation.org/hititforhatch.

Funds raised through “Hit It for Hatch” directly impact and provide services for children and families with the tools to cope in the present and thrive in the future after childhood cancer. Families of the foundation are provided with services such as Mental and Behavioral Health Therapy, Occupational Therapy, NeuroPsych Testing, Family Programs and more at absolutely no cost to them.

To learn more about the annual “Hit It for Hatch,” register for pickleball or volleyball, or donate, visit https://www.hatcherfoundation.org/hititforhatch today!