2005 Fundraiser for US Open & Nationals Floor Mats

I am pleased to report that in 2004 we received $5,567 in donations from the 2004 Floor Mat Fundraising Campaign.  On behalf of USATT, I say thank you to all the donors for their generous contributions. 

With the proceeds, USATT purchased Gelflor mats for four courts.  These mats were used in the main arena and other courts at the 2004 National Championships.  All together, we had 24 courts that featured rubber floor mats.

The 2004 U.S. National Championships are over, and many members and tournament officials have expressed satisfaction with the way the tournament was run.  During the 2003 Nationals, we were told that the C3 halls that we used in 2003 would not be available, and we ended up in S2 halls in 2004.   However, the good news is that we will be able to return to the C3 halls in 2005.  

I would like to kick off the 2005 Fundraising Campaign in order to buy additional floor mats so more participants will be able to play in professional conditions in future U.S. Nationals, U.S. Opens, and U.S. Teams.  Mats are expensive.  For the type that would be suitable for us, the cost is about $1,600 per court. 

I have set a goal for 2005 to raise $10,000 that would enable us to purchase mats for six additional courts.  That’s why we need the support of everyone who would like to be part of this endeavor to increase the number of courts with floor mats at our tournaments.  If you made a donation last year, we ask for your support in giving another donation this year.  If you did not donate last year, please consider doing so this year.  No donation is too small.  In fact, if 50% of the membership would donate just $10, we would be able to raise over $40,000 and purchase 24 floor mats a year.  I assure you that your tax-deductible donations will go into a Floor Mat account and will be used exclusively for this purpose. 

Donations can be given by check payable to USATT, specifying “2005 Floor Mats,” over the phone with credit card (719-866-4583), or by PayPal. We will acknowledge below all those who donate money, and post periodic updates of the amount collected.  Please help us improve our tournaments and make them more enjoyable for the participants.

Teodor Gheorghe, USATT Executive Director