Tennis supporters enjoy Oh WATA Night in Margaritaville

Sporting their best island attire, nearly 300 guests came together to celebrate "Oh WATA Night in Margaritaville" on Saturday (Jan. 31) evening.

Hosted at Fianna Hills Country Club in Fort Smith, the Western Arkansas Tennis Association's (WATA) Jimmy Buffett-song inspired fundraiser featured all things beach including dinner, drinks, decor, and more.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted at the door and adorned with colorful leis to put them in the proper Margaritaville frame of mind. Many also took advantage of the surf shop scenes located throughout the foyer to snap their pictures and enjoy some fun in the photo booth.

Cocktail hour included signature margaritas and other paradise-worthy beverages, followed by an island-style buffet dinner. During the meal, Executive Director Kami Tucker and President Cindy Koenigseder welcomed guests and shared about some of WATA's most notable achievements from the previous year.

"We are very proud to announce that WATA has been awarded $22,500 in grant funds to improve the facilities at the Ben Geren courts," Tucker said.

WATA has an established agreement with Sebastian County Parks to manage the Ben Geren Tennis Courts. The organization employs Chris Cash, assistant tennis director, to oversee the Youth 12 and Under tennis league at the facility.

Tucker and Koenigseder also announced the names of several state and national award winners from WATA who were honored in 2014. Winners included Leslie Jackson, USTA Janet Louer National Junior Team Tennis Organizer of the Year; The Jake Files Family, Arkansas Tennis Family of the Year; Chris Cash, Arkansas Tennis Professional of the Year; Jennifer Parks, Patrick M. Riley Umpire of the Year; and Thomas Moore; recipient of the Bette Mooty College Scholarship.

The live auction then got underway, with eight high-end packages up for grabs. Items included  President's Box tickets to the US Open, and tickets to the 2015 Academy of Country Music Awards in Dallas. A one-week Orlando vacation package for six people was also up for auction, as were several pieces of beautiful Vahan jewelry from Newton's Jewelers in Fort Smith.

Keeping with the Margaritaville theme, Jimmy Bluffett and the Son of a Sailor Band entertained the crowd with a mix of island-inspired tunes and other party favorites. Christopher Key Cash also performed throughout the evening.

A silent auction was also held that included dozens of gift baskets, tennis lessons, pieces of art, and more. Guests could purchase 50/50 tickets for a chance to win the grand cash prize. Another drawing was also held, which included the opportunity for two to attend the Power Share Series event in Little Rock featuring tennis legends  Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, Jim Courier, and and Mark Philippoussis.

Drawing its largest crowd to date, organizers hoped to reach a new fundraising milestone for the event. Tickets were $50 in advance and $55 at the door.

"Our event raised $29,000 last year and hope to exceed $30,000 this year," said Tucker. "The money raised goes to programming for junior and youth tennis as well as our tennis apprentice program for adult beginners. Other monies from the fundraiser will go towards maintenance to courts at Creekmore, Tilles, and Ben Geren."

WATA was formed in 1998 to help promote the programs of the Arkansas, Southern, and U.S. Tennis Associations throughout the region. It is comprised of members of all ages throughout Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Sebastian and Scott counties. The organization operates the courts at Creekmore Park, where it hosts statewide junior and adult tournaments, annual summer camps, ongoing lessons and training programs. WATA also partners with facilities at Ben Geren and Tilles Parks in Fort Smith, several local health and country clubs, as well as the tennis courts in Van Buren and Alma.