leaving a Legacy Alive
BlogsCelebrating LifeComforting WordsSincere CondolencesTools for Tough TimesWidow on the planet, All BlogsThe day my dad was buried July 4, 1996 a young tennis player named MaliVai Washington made it completely to the finals at Wimbledon. endure, Mal's then past girlfriend now wife, Jennifer, Came to the business on the beach at Ponte Vedra, Fla. To join a small band of George Soper fans paying their last aspects.George and Mal had been impossible friends. A 70 ish white wines man, arguably Republican and retired though not a "satisfy, And a good looking, 20 something charcoal who left the University of Michigan after winning the NCAA singles championship to play professional tennis. Mal went on grow to be number 11 in singles, Beating such men and women as Agassi, Connors, Becker and additionally McEnroe. But through my dad's work with the ATP (Association of Tennis masters) when Ponte Vedra, They bonded as time goes on and, can certainly say, continue bonding over [-censured-=https://www.bestbrides.net/how-to-tell-if-a-woman-likes-you-based-on-her-zodiac-sign/]how to know if a libra woman likes you[/-censured-] the annual George M. Soper Player of the Year trophy and scholarship awarded by the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation to a kid from 10 to 14 or 15 who has excelled in character and potential and needs a boost to help make great the unexpected happens in life.the basis started by offering tennis lessons to select Boys Girls Club youth and has expanded to offer a variety of activities for students in kindergarten through high school. appearing in 2008, The MaliVai washington Youth Center opened in Jacksonville's roughest, weakest, Most challenging area as a place for inner city the town of jacksonville kids to go to feel safe, Learn core life skills, Get assistance homework, Find a mentor and learn the experience and life lessons of tennis.Each year on the Monday ensuing Labor Day, These kids join top tennis golf players, movie star athletes, many actors and scores of dedicated supporters and volunteers of all ages at a gala awards dinner. They literally blow the adults away in their presence, speeches and toasts, achievements, commitment and humor.Although we often think we don't have enough time or money to make the trip from Atlanta to Florida, We are forever glad to attend the event and each year vow we'll never miss it. pertaining to we never do.the foregoing year, 21 kids received awards worth $100,000. micheal Furyk, Who just won at the Tour great and the FedEx Cup, a short time ago gave a $30,000 check to the building blocks a portion of the Presidents Cup he won at Harding Park in California.Since a symptom, rrn excess of $400,000 in scholarship money has gone to students and now some of them are in the lead, suffering through college on tennis scholarships and even teaching tennis. Of the 14 who took a small replica of the trophy home, the building blocks has lost touch with only two. Here's how whilst are faring:1998: Candida Breland attended the university or college of North Florida, Is now a manager of a restaurant in the city of jacksonville and attends the gala every year. 1999: Gracie Edmondson works at a daycare and is in school part time.2001: Markevius Collier is attending Florida State College Jacksonville and works for the building blocks teaching tennis. He also gave a very self assured and uplifting speech at the dinner this year.2002: Marc Atkinson also works for the inspiration in the summer when he's not attending classes at FAMU.2003: Rijana Hadziadvic graduated from the university or of North Florida and is now working full time.2004: Kenia Stokes is at FSCJ with Syreeta truman (2006).2005: Keanna Bell is a senior at Stanton vocational school Prep.2007: Reggie Bryant is at Sante Fe college.2008: Shadarian Davis is at sc State University.2009: Adrienne Clark will be 8th grader, As is the year's winner Trenden Davis (Pictured here with Mal california) what, after i handed him this year's trophy, Took me over to meet his mother who afflicted me with a huge hug.No question that George Soper never imagined his friend Mal would create a basis serving up so much hope, in contact the lives of so many kids almost 20,000 now. But for people who wish he had lived forever, This is a way to keep at least his energy and spirit alive in a way he would know just exactly: showing life skills, Fair playtime and good sportsmanship. While Mal houston is quietly developing young champions, He is also helping us keep our hero alive, insanely.Comment by lynne lawrence on april 18, 2010 over 11:29amHi la and orange county Lynne and I lost my beautiful daughter Vicki, She was beautiful inside and out and had just started her training to be a childrens nurse. She got to ware her uniform personally night, She was a little poorley for two days and went to the doctors on the thursday on the thursday who diagnosed her with gastro enteritus in the mail she died in my arms. This happended 12th dec 2008 and we buried my eye-catching girl on 23rd Dec. I really can'tcome to terms with your ex wife death. She was 19 just when her life had begun it was snatched away from her. day time Iam in floods of tears. I am so sad that our neighbors is not complete and dread the run up to christmas.