Michael Chang Tennis Classic Serves for the Homeless in Orange County, CA

Sponsors Tustin Hyundai pose with tennis stars (l-r) Cecil Mamiit, Kei Nishikori, Michael, and Taylor Dent. Photo mchangtennis.com

July 30, 2014 Beeyong Sison Orange County, CA – The Michael Chang Tennis Classic concluded their successful USTA-sanctioned tennis festival last Sunday at the Newport Beach Tennis and Country Club. With the enthusiastic participation by region’s top tennis players in their respective levels, the charity event was held for the benefit of Orange County’s less-fortunate homeless citizens.

The tournament offered a variety of prizes for 3.5 – 5.5 in juniors, men’s, women’s, and open divisions in singles, doubles, and mixed competition. Each year, the Michael Chang Tennis Classic makes a heart-felt decision in choosing a charity recipient for its annual summer tennis tournament held in Newport Beach.

This year MCTC chose HomeAid, a charity organization, working tirelessly to put an end to homelessness in Orange County, California. In one of the most affluent counties in the United States, Orange County has the third highest rate of homelessness. The average homeless person is not out on the street by choice but due to unexpected circumstances because of sudden loss of employment, health and financial difficulties. There are more than 12,000 people a year who find themselves out in the streets of Orange County 2,500 of them children.

Michael, 3rd from right, with leading coaches assisting the tennis clinic. Photo changtennis.com

HomeAid is involved through various forms of advocacy to end homelessness in Orange County raising the awareness of the issue that homelessness is a reality in the community. By making a priority for sustainable development of shelters throughout the county, HomeAid is actively involved in the Orange County's Commission to end homelessness through the implementation of a 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness.

Definition of “Homeless”: A person is considered homeless when he or she lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence and sleeps in a variety of places not fit for human habitation or meets certain other requirements. Homeless persons include, but are not limited to, those sleeping in cars, parks, campgrounds, sidewalks, railroad tracks, alleys, storm drains, freeway underpasses, abandoned buildings, etc. Watch video below...

#MCTC2014 RESULTS: Men's Open Doubles: D. Jackson/T. Mudrick v. R. Cheung/J. Huang 5-7; 6-4; 6-2 pic.twitter.com/txnsN0hRnR
— MCTC (@mchangtennis) July 28, 2014

#MCTC2014 RESULTS: Women's Open Doubles: T. Huynh/T. Nguyen v. K. Chang/K. Soli 6-0; 3-6; 6-2 pic.twitter.com/8kxnJ4JVZm
— MCTC (@mchangtennis) July 28, 2014