The Spirit of Giving Goes Deep into Donors' Roots

December 12, 2024
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Rex Maynard (left) and Sandy Burgess (right)

For two Southern Tennis Foundation donors, the spirit of giving goes deeper into the roots of their philanthropic actions. Using tennis as the platform, Rex Maynard, a longtime patron and Sandy Burgess, a new donor who was introduced to the STF mission only a few years ago, see the value of the sport they love so much as the foundation of their giving. Both recognize that providing others with the chance to experience the gift of tennis fuels their passion for supporting the Southern Tennis Foundation.

‍For Maynard, he had two girls who played the junior tournament circuit in South Carolina and throughout the Southern Section. When he became involved with what was then called the Southern Tennis Patrons, he knew its main focus was to support junior players through scholarships to help offset the financial cost to travel to tournaments beyond their hometown. Realizing that other families may not have the resources to travel like his girls, it sparked him to become involved.

‍Since Maynard’s initial start in 1990, the Southern Tennis Patrons has evolved into the Southern Tennis Foundation. There are now close to 25 college scholarships, all of which are fully endowed, to support those in need. The contributions to the scholarships mean a lot to Rex, as many of those are in honor of close friends he has made throughout his involvement with USTA Southern.

‍The STF is doing much more than just offering scholarships. Maynard has witnessed first-hand the Foundation’s broad support for youth programs, including NJTL, adaptive and wheelchair tennis initiatives, and grants designed to expand tennis access to new and existing players. ‍
Maynard still finds his inspiration to give deeply rooted in his love for tennis and knowing the impact of what the Foundation does for thousands of individuals each year.
As Maynard says, “It’s a lasting impact on those who have received the benefits and support that can change their lives.”

‍Sandy Burgess grew up in Macon with longtime family friend, STF Executive Director, Jaime Kaplan. Kaplan asked him to consider supporting the STF and around the same time, Burgess began to notice wheelchair players at the grand slams, including the US Open. He was intrigued at the grace and ability of the wheelchair players to compete competitively with tremendous success. Kaplan shared the wheelchair initiatives that the STF was supporting, and Burgess was hooked, finding his area of passionate support.

A few years ago, Burgess brought his son to a clinic in Peachtree City, Georgia where other youth from NJTL chapters and under-resourced communities participated. He saw how much joy tennis brought to them and the positive impact tennis was making on their lives. It’s a memory that still resonates with both him and his son. Burgess sums up his giving by saying “It gives people the opportunity to chase their dream.” Burgess is indeed helping to make those dreams come true.

As we embark on the holiday season, the Southern Tennis Foundation hopes you will consider giving the gift of tennis and making a lasting impact on the thousands of lives supported throughout the year.

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