Off the Wall: Using Tennis as a Fundraising Vehicle 

From the time he was just two weeks old, Simon Caldwell has been on a tennis court. Through the encouragement of his parents (both college players and teaching professionals), Caldwell has discovered a deep appreciation of the game and a natural talent. At 12 years old, the Traverse City native is beginning to develop his game at a higher level.

But between the many hours on the court and in school, Caldwell has started a new journey: giving back to his community through his “Off the Wall Challenge”.

As an avid tennis fan, Caldwell admired all of the top professionals for their altruistic values and ability to give back to those around them. Caldwell started to think why not him too.

“I thought one of the things I’m really good at is tennis, so why not use it to help people,” said Caldwell. “It’s kind of cool to build this up.”

So, Caldwell took a page from the professionals’ book and took it upon himself to become involved with the community. But first he had to find a partner in the community.

Enter the Father Fred Foundation.

Founded in 1989, The Father Fred Foundation has been helping the underserved in the Traverse City area, from donating food to providing furniture for families in need. When Caldwell and his family were introduced to the mission of the foundation and had the opportunity to tour the facility to see the kindness firsthand, Caldwell knew he had found his partner.

Caldwell was determined to make a difference through the game he already knew and loved, but he had to find the perfect way to tie tennis into his goal of raising money and awareness for The Father Fred Foundation. Then it hit him like a wall. Literally. 

Since the beginning of October, Caldwell has made it his mission to hit 3,000 tennis balls on the walls of different business and locations around his community. The idea is to raise awareness for The Father Fred Foundation, as well as donations, by becoming visible throughout the community.

Not only has his Facebook fundraiser taken off, but Caldwell has connected with many businesses around the Traverse City area to hit with the business owners. Many of these businesses donated a significant amount to Caldwell’s cause and in return, Caldwell promoted the business through videos on his social media channels.

 Caldwell says that asking for donations from businesses has been one of the most nerve-wracking things he has ever done, but the end result is something extraordinary.

To date, Caldwell has already surpassed his $3,000 goal and wants to keep the momentum going.

“I really want to do good,” said Caldwell. “Our generation is the giving generation, and I’ve seen a lot of kids doing their own foundations.

“It’s an amazing feeling that we’ve already helped so many people just with the money we have raised so far; it makes you want to keep doing it, keep doing more, and keep persevering.”

Caldwell’s whirlwind efforts for the foundation will all culminate on November 15 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for a tennis mixer, along with guests witnessing the last 100 hits from Caldwell.

“It makes me feel really proud,” said Josie Caldwell, mother of Simon. “He is a very special and unique kid, and he is always a good friend to so many people throughout the section at tournaments.

“It’s great for me to see him realize how much one person can do.”

Because of the huge success of the fundraiser this year, Caldwell is looking to do even more next year. It is his hope to not only encourage his tennis friends from across the Section to choose a foundation to aid in their communities, but also serve as an inspiration for kids in other sports.

Tennis has given so much to Caldwell, and through his efforts, he aims to put that right back into his community. 

Find out more about Caldwell's efforts here.