Rage In The Cage

2007-03-30 / Community

Youngest "Underagers." The event commenced on Friday, March 9, with "Underrage In The Cage" which gathered approximately 85 youngsters from the Garden City, Manhasset area. Local paddle pros, Alex Bancila, John Cerga, John Dehler and Sue Tarzian donated their time and enthusiasm, ran the clinics and taught them what "ragin" is all about - FUN. They had music, pizza, prizes and laughs - what a joy it is to see kids being athletic, social and happy. The main vent, Rage in the Cage, followed on Saturday. Here we gathered 120 more paddle players ranging from nationally ranked tournament players to local fanatics. It was a marathon spectacle that concluded with the semi-finals and finals of both the A and B draws played on the Rage Grand Stand at Cherry Valley Club. The Saturday happy hour was never so entertaining. Champions were Aila Main & Mike Stulac, who defeated John Schmitt & Kelly Van Kalker for the A's and John Maher & Sharon Hummers, who defeated Brad Thurman & Diane Girgentriu for the B's. An exciting exhibit by all players. Most importantly, Charlie's Champions raised $25,000 which will be donated to the Cancer Center For Kids at Winthrop University Hospital - that's impresssive and touching. Special thanks to some incredible people of our community that helped make this even possible. Robert Koephler of WALK STREET (donated lunch for the entire tourney). Greg Bavaro of Garden City Pizza (fed the children). DJ Steve Espey of Phoenix Bros. (great job spinning the tunes!). Drew McMahon of Abbey Rent-all (the Rage fort) and Andy Cohn of FADER Magazine (the prizes), Jim Healy (our Umpire). Special, special thanks to the Rage Committee: Kathy Thornton, Pat Maloney, Sally McLaughlin, Alison Malhame, Jennifer Schmitt, Melissa LeBlanc and Linda Sweeney. Charlie's Champions Foundation especially thanks everyone for all their love and generosity. For more see www.charlieschampions.com.