It would be an understatement to say that the grant awarded to Vineyard Family Tennis has made a significant impact on the program. Funding from our extremely generous, longtime, sole benefactor was set to end in August 2018. Our bubble, which covers two tennis courts in the winter months, was destroyed in a powerful nor’easter storm. VFT found itself in a challenging situation to say the least. Thanks to the generosity of MVYouth, an emergency grant was awarded to replace the damaged bubble. As the new bubble was under construction, VFT sought approval from the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, Oak Bluffs Selectmen and Zoning Board of Appeals to permit adult play at the facility when youth programs are not in session. Fees collected from adult players subsidize youth programs and allow for the development of a new, sustainable funding model. With the new tennis bubble erected and change in permitting approved, VFT re-opened on March 4, 2019. Nearly 200 children returned to the courts to participate in our early spring session after four months off. Our subsequent summer and fall sessions were equally successful as we proudly support a junior membership of 400 island youth!The girls high school team comprised of VFT players went on to capture a fifth state championship title while the boys saw success as well, reaching the quarterfinals of the state tournament.