Raphael Village To Hold 3rd Annual Tennis ‘Fun-Raiser’ To Benefit ‘Differently-Abled’ People

NEW ORLEANS – On Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23, Raphael Village will host its third annual Tennis “Fun-Raiser” at City Park Pepsi Tennis Courts, 5900 Marconi Dr. There will be a Friday night Pro-Am from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Saturday the tournament will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

         Women’s Doubles levels are 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0. Men’s Doubles are 6.5, 7.5, 8.5 and 9.0. The winner of each division will be awarded a $250 cash prize. The cost of the tournament is $90 per team and includes one can of USTA approved tennis balls, food and beverages. 

         A “Yoga for Tennis” experience will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday for $15. 

         To register and see more available tennis packages and information

         In 2011, Raphael Academy began as a summer program for special needs students, and quickly grew into a state-accredited, private school for students aged 10 – 21. Since then, the guild was added to provide post-secondary education for adults with disabilities, including vocational and life-skills training, volunteering at local businesses, social opportunity and self-expression through the arts.

         In December 2016, the board of directors announced the founding of Raphael Village: a new model for the southeast region that combines Raphael Academy, the guild and a future residential program. 

         Located in New Orleans’ Irish Channel neighborhood, at 500 Soraparu St., Raphael Village supports special needs individuals so that they may be fully engaged in life through meaningful work and healthy social relationships. Raphael Village currently offers comprehensive programming that includes a school, Raphael Academy, and the guild, an adult day program.

         Raphael Village is founded on principles that integrate education, community life, life-sharing and the arts to meet the needs of youth with developmental disabilities. This focus helps young people find their way into a productive adult life through a nurturing and sustainable environment, reps said.

         Raphael Academy and the Village is currently conducting a capital campaign to raise $2 million to build The Town Center of Raphael Village on Jackson Avenue. Phase One will include a community cafe with restaurant training space, two vocational/ continued academic classrooms, two artist guild ‘workshops’ and administrative offices.

         To learn more about the programs and plans for the Town Center, visit the complex, for coffee and pastries prepared by the guild at the Celestial Café, on Friday mornings from 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at 500 Soraparu St.

         Watch a video about Raphael Academy and The Guild at Raphael Village here