Number of Participants: 50
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $17,395
Event Type: Hunger
Activity: Tennis
School: Irondequoit High School
Date: May 4, 2026
Location:
Irondequoit
NY, USA
About:
The Irondequoit and Eastridge boys tennis programs are proving that the impact of athletics extends far beyond competition.
This season, the two teams partnered together to launch “Rally Against Hunger,” a community food drive benefiting the Irondequoit Community Cupboard. Fans and community members attending the match were encouraged to bring non-perishable food and household items to support local families facing food insecurity.
What began as an idea from Irondequoit Boys Tennis Coach Paul Myers quickly grew into a collaborative community initiative. Recognizing the opportunity to unite both schools around a shared cause, Myers connected with Eastridge Coach Bob Aser, who immediately embraced the idea and helped spread the message throughout the Eastridge school community.
With support from booster parents, school announcements, district communications, and social media outreach, the event generated an overwhelming response. Donations filled the bed of a pickup truck with bags and boxes of essential items for the community cupboard.
A booster parent also helped coordinate directly with the Irondequoit Community Cupboard and provided transportation for the donated goods. Organizers hope to have captains from both teams participate together in the official donation drop-off at the Irondequoit Community Center.
Beyond the success of the drive itself, the event showcased the leadership and compassion of student-athletes using their platform to make a difference. By transforming a regular season match into an opportunity to give back, both programs demonstrated how sports can unite communities around service, teamwork, and kindness.
Coach Myers hopes this is only the beginning.
“For the first year of the ‘Rally Against Hunger’ food drive, we feel it was very successful,” Myers shared. “Both programs are looking forward to the event next season.”
As the tennis programs continue to build this tradition, they are serving up something much bigger than competition — a lasting commitment to helping others.
