Author Emel Kay will host Hula Dancers at the First Annual "Island Luau for Youth Tennis San Diego" in La Jolla on Saturday, July 16th, from 6 PM - 9 PM.

On Saturday, July 16th from 6 PM - 9 PM, Emel Kay (author of the newly released, young adult fantasy, "KeAloha - The Keeper") will host hula dancers at the First Annual "Island Luau for Youth Tennis San Diego" in La Jolla, California. All money raised at this Luau Fundraiser will benefit the After School Tennis program of Youth Tennis San Diego.

Youth Tennis San Diego (YTSD) is a nonprofit (501)(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to promote the educational, physical, and social development of all youth through organized tennis and educational activities. Their community programs encourage youth participation, personal integrity, leadership, and competitive spirit in a friendly environment that builds responsible citizens.

After School Tennis (AST) - As a community service, YTSD provides thousands of youngsters each year the opportunity to play tennis after school at their neighborhood school. Through tennis, the children learn success skills which give them the confidence and self-esteem needed to confront the negative influences so often found on the streets where they live. Additionally, several times a year, the children travel to the Barnes Tennis Center to participate in special tennis events. This is often their first exposure to a "real" tennis court. Other programs include local and national competitive events, educational seminars, kids helping kids projects, and partnership programs with local school districts. YTSD also supports wheelchair and special populations by providing free court usage. AST is run in over 70 schools throughout San Diego county. Over 7,000 children participate and fees are subsidized or waived for 93% of the students. No child is turned away for inability to pay.
Armando is just one example of the success of AST. Armando was always in trouble at school. His teacher suggested that he participate in After School Tennis as a last alternative to being expelled for his constant disruptions in the classroom. Armando thrived in the program and began to improve in the classroom. Today Armando plays in tournaments and has earned top grades in school.

Jovita used to sell chewing gum at the Tijuana boarder. An American family adopted Jovita and her five brothers and sisters. They were not a wealthy family and looked for inexpensive activities for the children. The children were put into the After School Tennis program and for Jovita it was love at first sight. Her success on the court carried over to the classroom. Both her tennis and her English improved. Last year as a high school junior, she led her team at Steele Canyon to their first ever team championship.

Schools who participate in AST incur no costs. YTSD pays the insurance, provides the instructors and equipment when needed. Schools do not need tennis courts in order to have the program. Students can be taught on a blacktop. Five special events are planned each year to bring the AST participants to the Barnes Tennis Center where they meet other students and play on standard tennis courts.

About the Author

Emel Kay is a native Hawaiian who was schooled in Germany, Hawaii and San Diego. A virtual reality software engineer and an accomplished hula dancer, she lives in La Jolla, California with her husband and their two children.

***
KeALOHA - The KEEPER by Emel Kay
Lulu Press | Paperback Original | 365 pages | April 1, 2005 | $19.95 | 1-4116-2675-3