Nov. 15, 2012
THE FLATS – The Georgia Tech women’s tennis team visited City of Refuge to serve a street dinner Wednesday night to some of Atlanta’s homeless population.
City of Refuge is a non-profit organization on Atlanta’s west side “dedicated to community development efforts that lead to the stability and sustainability of the local community.”
“The Athletic Association as a whole does a lot of community service projects and the female student-athletes all participate in Girls on the Run, but we wanted to do something as the tennis team to give back,” senior Elizabeth Kilborn said. “This was an opportunity for us to give back to the community that surrounds the Georgia Tech campus.”
City of Refuge says its mission “is to bring strength, hope and light to Atlanta’s last, lost and least.” The tennis team watched an introductory video to learn more about the beginning and the growth of the organization before going out on the street.
The Yellow Jackets set up a table and served food for those who came up, even trading friendly banter with those wearing college apparel.
“It was a great opportunity for our team to give back to the community that does so much for us,” assistant coach Alison Silverio said. “It was very eye-opening and humbling. Everyone who came was extremely appreciative. The experience helped show us what we take for granted on a daily basis. It was simply amazing how just a smile and asking how someone is doing can help bring joy to that person.”
The Yellow Jackets hope to continue their volunteer work with City of Refuge.
“With everything we’re given at Georgia Tech, it is important to give back,” Kilborn added. “During the holidays it can be easy to forget that we are in the middle of a major city and how many people need help. We don’t have a ton of free time as student-athletes but we believe it is important to be involved.”
For more information on City of Refuge or to find out how you can help, visit www.CityofRefugeATL.org.
Fans are encouraged to follow Georgia Tech women’s tennis on Twitter, @GT_WTEN, and like the Yellow Jackets on Facebook, GTWomensTennis, for an inside look at the program.
–RamblinWreck.com–
