4th Annual Sip, Serve & Celebrate is a Grand Slam

> Matt Felton receives a big thank you hug from a scholar athlete in the

Portland, November 9th. The 4th Annual Sip, Serve & Celebrate raised $116,000 for the Portland After-School Tennis & Education which helps at-risk students achieve academic and athletic success. Matt Felton got a big thank you hug from a scholar athlete in the ‘Felton Factor’ program while Executive Director Danice Brown looked on. Matt and his wife Jasmine generously funded the $23k annual costs of the program. (Photo credit, Team Photogenic)

PAST&E Scholar Athletes anxiously wait to make their debut and
performance for the guests and patrons.

Organizers say, “This year past board member Matt Felton was honored for all his work and contributions to the program by the creation of ‘The Felton Factor’ which focuses on strengthening participants’ fundamental tennis skills, preparing them for competitive play, and encouraging sportsmanship. The program also strives to improve competitiveness against private-club players who generally have greater resources and training opportunities.

Shawn Menashe raises his auction number to support the PAST&E fund-a-need.

PAST&E Volunteer Wendy Nakatani and Board Member Judy Ma congratulate Kana Wakamatsu for placing the winning bid for the US Open Tennis package. Kana and her husband Jason will get to experience US Open 2013 from the Nike box!

Matt and Jasmine Felton arrive to enjoy the festivities of Sip, Serve & Celebrate!

The event was held at Castaway Portland and emcees were Kelley Day and Mike Chase.

About Portland After School Tennis & Education:

“Our program is located in the heart of one of the most socio-economically challenged areas of Portland and is changing the lives of these wonderful students,” says Danice Brown, Executive Director of PAST&E. “Portland After-School Tennis & Education operates almost entirely on the generosity of our volunteers and individual donors and the money raised from this event is paramount in being able to keep our program going.”

Portland After School Tennis & Education (PAST&E) is a nonprofit whose mission is to create partnerships with families, schools, and volunteers to help at-risk K-12 students achieve academic and athletic success. We accomplish this through one-on-one academic tutoring, tennis lessons, a nutrition/fitness curriculum, parent education, and a “Best in Class” development program serving junior players who excel at tennis. Located at North Portland’s St. Johns Racquet Center, PAST&E impacts the lives of more than 1,000 at-risk children and families every year. For more information, visit www.pastande.org.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.