Last night Mercy College hosted their Annual Leadership Awards Dinner at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx, New York. The night brought together both Bronx natives and Bronx newcomers to honor four outstanding community members who work diligently to strengthen the Bronx Community.
One of the four honorees was NYJTL’s very own President and CEO, Deborah Antoine, who received the award for Youth Advocacy. She was recognized as a leader who has contributed to the success of the youth of the Bronx and who has changed their lives in countless ways, including in the creation of the new Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning.
The Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning was built with a vision to serve the youth of New York City. Built in Crotona Park, in the heart of the south Bronx, the Center houses a two-story, 12,000-square-foot clubhouse and educational facility. The Center offers many programs for both Juniors and Adults, as well as hosts NYJTL’s free community tennis program, advanced training program and more.
Fellow honoree Mark Stagg, President and Founder of the Stagg Group, mentioned the joy of walking through Crotona Park and coming upon the Cary Leeds Center, “you could be anywhere, you could be in Westchester… seeing the children playing tennis and the coaches out on the courts with them”.
The energy in the room was contagious and one could not help but get excited for what the future holds for the Bronx community. It was a momentous occasion in which men and women of all ages and backgrounds devoted to strengthening the Bronx, through housing, health, education and tennis, joined together to support each other and mainly Mercy College.
Congratulations to all the honorees!