Serving Off Court: Taste of the Mid-Atlantic with Doukenie Winery

In the Mid-Atlantic, communities are beginning to cautiously reopen and with that comes the hopes for recovery, rebuilding, and a “new normal.” USTA Mid-Atlantic, a 501 (c)3 non-profit, believes tennis will be crucial to this process and to reconnect communities and people even while social distancing. In that spirit, we’ve recently launched the #ServeItForward campaign to generate support for tennis in the Mid-Atlantic as part of the recovery process and support our mission and vision for tennis in every community.

There are many ways to #ServeItForward with USTA Mid-Atlantic Section. One exciting opportunity is virtual wine tasting events we are calling “Taste of the Mid-Atlantic.”

During these events, you get exclusive access to learn about and taste wines as if you were a special guest at the winery, but you get to do it from home. AND you are helping to #ServeItForward because a portion of the proceeds will be donated to USTA Mid-Atlantic to support our charitable tennis programs.

We’ve partnered with Doukenie Winery in Loudoun County, Va., for the first tasting event.

General Manager of Doukenie Winery, Sally Travis, is a member of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Board of Directors and a USTA League player. We caught up with her to talk about the upcoming wine tasting event, tennis, and being involved with USTA Mid-Atlantic.

What drew you to tennis?

I dabbled a bit in High School and returned to tennis eight years ago when my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. I needed a recreational outlet as a distraction from what was happening in our lives.

I joined Ida Lee tennis center and took lessons. Then I started playing competitively and was recruited to play on a mixed doubles team in Montgomery County, Md. We went to the USTA League Nationals in Arizona!

Tennis was a lifesaver for me. Tennis creates lasting friendships and a sense of community.

How did you get involved with the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section?

A few years ago, Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro (Chief Executive Officer at USTA Mid-Atlantic) reached out to me to get involved and serve on the Nominating Committee for the Board of Directors. I served on that committee and then became the Chair.

Later, I inquired about getting even more involved and serving on the board.

I enjoy being on the board. I believe in the mission and getting more youth and families involved in the sport. The promotion of children and after school tennis programs are so important.

What do you admire about the work we do at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section?

I admire the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section’s after school and youth tennis programs. They are such a great benefit to the community. I also admire the USTA League tennis program in the Section because it is a great way for adults to get involved, find exercise, and establish a community. It is a great outlet for anyone at any level.

What are your thoughts on how the community can move forward from the pandemic?

It’s a difficult time for everyone. Anything we can do together and collaborate to support both business and USTA Mid-Atlantic is great.

Let’s switch gears and talk about the Taste of the Mid-Atlantic event. What do you think people should know about Doukenie Winery? What makes it special?

Doukenie is a family-owned farm winery that welcomes families to enjoy our grounds while drinking our wine and we opened in 1995 by George and Nicki Bazaco.

George’s grandmother was named Doukenie and she told him to grow grapes, so that’s what he did! Doukenie Winery has 360 acres and 30 acres under vine. There are 16 wines on the menu and they are always releasing something different and trying new things.

If someone is new to wine, what would you tell them when trying wine?

I highly recommend that you try a full tasting at a winery, whenever given the opportunity.

Here at Doukenie we have seven wines on the tasting menu. Virginia has so many different varietals (wines made from a single grape variety) and there are so many different things wineries are able to do now with wines. Whether it is keeping reds in barrels longer or aging different whites that are in either stainless steel or oak barrels, there are so many ways to make the wine unique.

Top tips for a good tasting experience?

Everything is worth trying once. It’s all about what you feel about the wine, rather than what someone tells you. Ask questions to your wine tasting educator. Take a sip and see if you like it. When at a tasting, feel free to tell a wine educator what you like and don’t like, and they are sure to help you find something you will enjoy.

There is no right or wrong; it’s all about what you like and if you enjoy it. Wine is an experience and meant to be enjoyed.

What is your favorite part about Virginia wine?

In Virginia, we can grow so many varietals, and so we can make hybrids and many different blends. Because of where we are located, we are able to have a long growing season, and we have such an opportunity to grow so many types of grapes.

Doukenie Winery has 14 varietals on the property. Despite some of the frost this spring, 2020 looks to be another great year for Virginia wine!

What is the biggest myth you would like to debunk about Virginia wine?

If you haven’t tried it lately, try it because it is better than you remember!

What are the details about the upcoming event?

Join us Saturday, May 30th! If you haven’t RSVP’ed for the event, do so here! Curbside pickup is available for the wines featured in the event.

Taste of Doukenie Winery Virtual Tasting Event, Saturday, May 30th, 2020 at 5PM

Bill Travis, Doukenie Tasting Room Manager, will host the event.

$127 for a 3 bottle package that includes:

2019 Rose

2015 Doukénie Dionysus

2017 Doukénie Chardonnay

To purchase your package and arrange for curbside pickup, please call 540-668-6464 ext 201 or email orders@doukeniewinery.com

15% of sales will be donated to the USTA Mid-Atlantic to support our charitable community.

After completion of the purchase, virtual meeting event details and tasting tips will be sent via email to all event participants.

To learn more about Doukenie Winery, please visit: https://www.doukeniewinery.com/

USTA Mid-Atlantic invites everyone to #ServeItForward both on and off-court, and get involved in helping to support tennis in the Mid-Atlantic Section as part of the recovery process we’ll all need. Learn more about how you can #ServeItForward and support the USTA Mid-Atlantic, a non-profit organization, as we bring the healing power of tennis to our Mid-Atlantic community.

Kathy R: It’s a Game Changer

This month, we talked with USTA Mid-Atlantic donor and volunteer Kathy Renzetti, CAE. Kathy is a member of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Board of Directors and shared why she gives her time to tennis, the importance of sport in shaping lives, and why she donates.

Why are you involved with USTA Mid-Atlantic Section (USTA MAS)?

Kathy R.: I decided to get involved with USTA MAS because I was impressed with its mission of bringing tennis to everyone. The staff and volunteers really do take this to heart as they have seen first-hand how tennis can change lives. I am a firm believer in the use of sport to bring diverse communities together and USTA MAS is committed to reaching all communities, especially children, and introducing them to the game regardless of their background, zip code or ability to pay. USTA MAS looks for ways to break down barriers so that everyone has the opportunity to discover tennis.

Learn more about the impact of our work to bring tennis to everyone!

What is something you wish people knew about USTA Mid-Atlantic?

Kathy R.: I wish people knew more about the incredible work USTA MAS does in the community for kids. USTA MAS is reaching more kids than ever through its after school program. It has brought tennis to schools where 100% of students qualify for free and reduced meals; they also provide financial support and scholarships for kids.

USTA MAS is truly committed to changing the face of tennis in the Section. I don’t think people are aware of that. I also don’t think they are aware that USTA MAS relies on donor support to make all of this happen. I know more and more people are getting involved and I love to see this happen because community support, especially philanthropic support, makes a huge impact and sparks transformative change.

Why do you choose to support USTA Mid-Atlantic?

Kathy R.: I choose to donate to USTA Mid-Atlantic Section because the organization is committed to bringing the game of tennis to youth in underserved communities. Just one example is the after school tennis program, which is supported by donors. The program experienced unprecedented growth and has had more than 15,000 youth participation since 2016.

I had the opportunity to attend a session. The staff was amazing and the kids were learning about the game, making friends, and having fun! It’s a game-changer.

Watch this video to learn more about the impact of the USTA Mid-Atlantic after school tennis program on youth and why your support is needed!

What is it like being a volunteer for USTA Mid-Atlantic?

Kathy R.: I’m proud to be a board member of USTA MAS. We are trying hard to lead the way in the region – experiencing transformative change ourselves as a board. We want to change the face of the sport, especially among youth, and to break down barriers to access whether that be financial or by providing courts or safe places to play.

What would you tell someone that is thinking about donating to USTA Mid-Atlantic?

Kathy R.: I encourage people to learn more about USTA MAS – to talk to the coaches, volunteers, teachers, and players. It’s important to see for yourself how USTA MAS is making an impact in the region. Also, success is in the numbers. USTA MAS is very transparent about the use of donated dollars. Donors can feel confident that the money they invest in USTA MAS is truly making an impact.

It is through the love of tennis we can change lives together. You can help us continue to make tennis accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic Section, and help us deliver more after school and summer camp tennis programs to ALL children in our region. You can make a tax-deductible donation today!

USTA Mid-Atlantic Section, Inc. is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 54-1472806. All donations made to USTA Mid-Atlantic Section Inc. are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Because Every Child Belongs

USTA Mid-Atlantic Section is on a mission to make tennis the most accessible sport in the region by helping people and communities grow stronger, healthier, and more connected through tennis. Our goal is to bring tennis to all, especially children, in the Mid-Atlantic.

Thanks to you and your gift your tax-deductible donation directly supports increased access to tennis in the Mid-Atlantic through our programs, such as our Youth After School and Summer Camp Tennis Program, our Safe Places to Play Facility Assistance Program and our Junior Competition Scholarship.

This year we continue to invest in the next generation by teaching children the benefits of the sport. Tennis is a lifetime sport and our After School and Summer Camp Programs teach tennis to those that may not have the opportunity to play or learn the game elsewhere. We are building a foundation for children to live a healthy life and to learn character skills that they will use for years to come. Watch this video to learn about our program and how, together, we can put a racquet in the hands of more children…because every child belongs.

Make a tax-deductible donation today to support USTA Mid-Atlantic’s charitable programs.

How Your Donation Supports Tennis

As a non-profit charitable organization, USTA Mid-Atlantic helps people and communities grow stronger, healthier, and more connected through tennis. We aim to make tennis the most accessible sport in the region and want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits of tennis.

One of the ways we do this is by introducing youth to tennis through after school and summer camp programs.

When you make a tax-deductible donation, you help with program expenses such as these:

Donate today, and make an impact beyond the net.

Five Ways to Give to Tennis on Giving Tuesday

On Giving Tuesday, it can feel hectic trying to figure out the best ways to give back. You want to make the most of the day and ensure you are contributing in a meaningful way and know that your contribution will really make a difference. Now is a great time to think about how you want to celebrate Giving Tuesday and prepare to get involved, especially to support your passion – tennis!

Giving Tuesday is a popular day to give back to many types of charities and organizations. While most associate this day with making a monetary donation, there are other actions, in addition to making a gift, you can take to show your support to the causes you are passionate about.

We’ve rounded up a list of five ideas for you to help make giving back to tennis in the Mid-Atlantic region easy.

1. Make plans with a friend to play tennis! Hit around at your local court and have some fun. Snap a pic and share it with us on social media by tagging us and using #GivingTuesday and #USTAMAS. Go one step further on Giving Tuesday and plan to sign up to play on a local league or join the fun in our low-pressure social tennis events. When you join us out on the courts you strengthen the fabric of the Mid-Atlantic tennis community.

2. Make a Gift! On Giving Tuesday, you’ll feel great giving a gift to USTA Mid-Atlantic Section knowing it will support the growth of tennis in the Mid-Atlantic and help increase access to the sport for all people. Simply go online and make a tax-deductible donation. Need some motivation? Check out why this local tennis player chooses to donate. Bonus reason: Your gift will be matched!

This Giving Tuesday, you have the opportunity to get DOUBLE the match! USTA Mid-Atlantic has an anonymous donor match this year for $10,000 and funds are still available to help exhaust this match! In addition, Facebook has also announced it’s 2019 Giving Tuesday match of up to $7 million! To take advantage of the Facebook match and our match set your alarm for 7:55 AM EDT on Dec. 3. At 8 AM, get online and go to USTA Mid-Atlantic’s Facebook page. The Facebook match will go LIVE at 8 AM so make sure you are there and ready to donate! All gifts made after 8AM EDT on Giving Tuesday will be matched up to $100,000 per charity and up to $20,000 per individual. This is a great opportunity to amplify your impact and help bring tennis to those that need it most!

3. Help Teach Tennis. USTA Mid-Atlantic delivers high-quality after school and summer camp tennis programs in our region. Our programs help kids learn tennis skills, build character and give kids a healthy activity they can do for life! We’ve helped thousands of children learn tennis in these programs and are looking for individuals that can coach with us – don’t worry, we fully train coaches and any tennis experience level is welcome! Learn more about working with us and open opportunities.

4. Start a Fundraising Page on Facebook. This is another easy way to get involved on Giving Tuesday. Use our guide to create a fundraising page on Facebook and rally your friends to donate to USTA Mid-Atlantic Section and help more kids get access to tennis. Gifts to your Facebook fundraising page can also be matched!

5. Spread the Word about Tennis. You follow us on all the major social media platforms, right? If not, then plan to give us a follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. On Giving Tuesday, an easy way you can show support is to share a social media post from us with your friends and encourage others to follow along to find out more about tennis (and maybe why you are on the courts so much)!

Any action you take to support tennis and USTA Mid-Atlantic Section on Giving Tuesday is one that will make an impact. Your support may mean that one more child gets the chance to learn tennis for the very first time, when before they had not been able to play. Your gift may help with a tennis court refurbishment project that will make a community court a safe place to play, or you may be helping support a scholarship to a junior player that enables them to pay for a high-level tournament they wouldn’t have been able to afford.

USTA Mid-Atlantic Section is a 501c3 non-profit on a mission to promote and develop the growth of tennis. We aim to make tennis the most accessible sport in the region and our highest priority is to introduce ALL children to the sport. How will you show support on Giving Tuesday?

Find out more about our mission and why you should support USTA Mid-Atlantic this Giving Tuesday.