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On Saturday, March 7th, the McDaniel’s Family Foundation organized a river cruise for the donors with appetizers, an open bar, music, and of course the raffle! The cruise set sail at 4 pm, going up the Chavón river and back for a lovely afternoon on the water. Clear skies and a lovely breeze made for the perfect day on the river.

Rick McDaniel, founder of the McDaniel Tennis Tournament (the principal fundraising effort for the ball boys scholarship fund) every year hosts a gathering for the sponsors; for the fourth year in a row and thanks to the contribution of Saona Diving who donated the river cruise boat and to Casa de Campo who provided the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a group of Casa de Campo villa owners and visitors enjoyed a scenic cruise up the Chavón river. They set sail from the riverside dock of the Marina Casa de Campo on Saturday afternoon.

Cruising past palm trees, exotic tropical birds, and the occasional cluster of cows, Mr. McDaniels welcomed everyone before passing the mic over to Danilo Vicioso and tennis pro Adonis to draw the raffle.  The raffle prizes ranged from dinners in la Marina to wine bottles to massages to golf and tennis lessons to jewelry from Everett Design and much much more! Everyone on board anxiously awaited their number being called for fun prizes donated for the cause! This year the foundation also auditioned a two-night stay at Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge in Barahona! 

Music played keeping the mood lively yet relaxed at the same time as cocktails and appetizers circled the boat. They served delicious warm empanadas, meat skewers, fried shrimp and more! Guests mingled admiring the scenic river views, like Altos de Chavón way above on the cliffside! 

This year, the McDaniel’s team has raised over $60,000 USD for the ball boy foundation! All the funds raised go towards the player’s health insurance and towards a special scholarship fund for ball boys. Many of these ball boys and players have been a part of our tennis community for years and they are so deserving of and grateful for the fundraising efforts of everyone involved!

The following day, Sunday, March 8th, the finals were held at the La Romana Country Club with a large crowd of community members and sponsors supporting the event. Sports fans sat with a perfect view on the sideline of the main court, where Winter Jones and Susano Botello stood out, and earned this year’s championship tournament whilst Yonaiky Encarnación and Jonathan Benjamin won this year’s ball boy tournament.

*Pictures were taken during the McDaniels River Cruise on March 7th, 2020:

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