Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

The Mardy Fish Foundation will take charge of the ITF Pro event at Vero Beach, which will be renamed The Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation Tennis Championships.

A $10,000 event, it has been played in the same location for 20 years and pulls 3,000 in attendance, establishing itself as one of the biggest events of its kind at this level. It was previously run by teaching professional Mike Rahaley.

The event will be used to raise funds and awareness for the foundation’s activities. Tickets will also be sold for $10 for qualifying and $20 for the regular event for adults.

“We are so appreciative to the USTA and Mike Rahaley for allowing the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation to take over this tournament and keeping it in Vero Beach,” said Mardy Fish in a statement. “Vero Beach is one of the most enthusiastic and sophisticated tennis communities in the country and we are looking forward to seeing this event continue to grow in the years to come. Most importantly, we are excited that the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation can use this event as a promotional and fundraising platform to benefit children in Vero Beach, Indian River County and beyond.”

The foundation runs educational programs for 2,100 children in 21 schools in the region.

Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.