Omaha Tennis Community Gives Back

The Omaha tennis community came together during the pandemic and raised around $3,000 for local health facilities and law enforcement to purchase medical-grade masks, which are in great demand due to COVID-19.

“I have been personally affected by this virus and I know many others who have been as well,” said Heather Blumel, USTA Nebraska President. “It’s humbling to know that others are suffering so much and there is little we can do. This was an opportunity to help those who are helping our community.”

The idea came from Omaha tennis player, Brian Liu. Blumel said they were able to get the word out via email, social media and also at local tennis facilities. Once they raised $1,500, it was matched by a generous donor, Sreedhar Marupudi. With the money, they were able to purchase and deliver 1,000 masks to local law enforcement, and 2,000 masks to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Blumel was there to represent USTA Nebraska, and Kim Gradoville represented the Omaha Tennis Association.

Blumel said she plans to continue the fundraising efforts, and purchase gift cards for healthcare workers. She hopes other tennis players throughout the region will follow their lead and give back to their communities as well.

“In doing this we hoped to inspire others to do what they can,” she added. “If we don’t take care of the frontline staff who will take care of us?”

If you’d like to donate, please contact Heather Blumel at hblumelusta@gmail.com.