A Father’s Day weekend tennis event at Blanchard Park brought together residents, financial professionals, entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and first responders for a community gathering centered on health, recreation, and financial literacy.
The Fitness, Finance & Fellowship Tennis Social was held during Men’s Health Week, days after Juneteenth and ahead of Olympic Day, aligning the event with national observances focused on wellness, opportunity, achievement, and service.
The experience was produced through a collaborative effort led by New York Life Financial Professionals Camille Brown of DeLand, Lydia Lawrence-Telfer of Oviedo, and Louis Bolling of Orlando, in partnership with Florida Tennis and Royalty Racquet Club. DJ Mad Linx served as host and entertainment director.
Organizers said the goal was to introduce more people to tennis while creating opportunities for education, networking, and personal development.
Wei-Yu Su, a Partner in New York Life’s Orlando General Office, said the event reflected a holistic approach to well-being. “True wealth is built on four pillars: a strong body, a resilient mind, healthy nutrition, and sound finances. When one grows, the others become stronger,” Su said.
Camille Brown said the event was designed to create an inclusive environment where participants could engage with one another through sport. “This was about creating a space where people could connect through tennis in a real and welcoming way,” Brown said. “We wanted people to leave feeling encouraged, energized, and empowered.”
Rico Thompson, a New York Life client who attended the event, said the turnout reflected the trust and relationships established by the organizers. “I was invited to the event by Louis Bolling, my New York Life agent, and was in no way surprised by the turnout and number of vendors who came to participate,” Thompson said. “It was an outstanding event indeed.”
An’drew “Drew Willz” Brown, representing 16.92 Coffee & Matcha Bar, praised the atmosphere throughout the morning. “I had an awesome time at the event today,” he said. “The music was awesome, the guests had great energy, and all the vendors were warm and welcoming. I would definitely set up for the next one.”
DJ Mad Linx said the gathering was designed to leave a lasting impact beyond the tennis courts. “This wasn’t just a tennis event,” he said. “It was about creating a place where people could leave with something meaningful — whether that’s a relationship, an opportunity, or a new perspective.”
Participants said the experience challenged common perceptions about tennis and demonstrated that the sport can be accessible to people of all backgrounds and skill levels.
“Tennis always seemed to be a sport played by the elite,” said Anne Thomas of the Office of Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson. “I was so intrigued when hearing Louis speak with passion for the sport and these events planned for the community that I had to come experience it for myself.”
Kedrick Gray, a 20-year-old intern working with Thomas, said the experience rekindled a sense of youthful excitement. “Today was one of the best days ever. I felt like a kid again,” Gray said. “Being able to try something new opened my eyes to fun and reminded me that there are still new experiences waiting to be discovered.”
Vendor Paola Aguilar of Waffle Sandwich Bar and Semilla Nativa said the event strengthened community ties while providing opportunities for local businesses. “Thanks to New York Life and Mr. Louis Bolling, we joined a Father’s Day tennis social to build community through sport,” Aguilar said. “We left with new friendships, stronger client relationships, and a renewed belief in connecting health and financial knowledge.”
Hydration support was provided by Vita Coco, distributed by brand educator Bridget Mulhall and her Florida-based team. Orange County Fire Rescue Station 67, led by Lt. Lopez, also participated in the event.
Held during Men’s Health Week, following Juneteenth and preceding Olympic Day, organizers said the social event intentionally connected themes of wellness, personal growth, and community engagement. Through tennis instruction, local business participation, networking opportunities, and conversations around financial literacy, attendees were encouraged to invest in both their present well-being and future aspirations.
As communities increasingly seek innovative approaches to improving physical, financial, and social well-being, organizers hope the Fitness, Finance & Fellowship Tennis Social can serve as a model for future public programming that brings those conversations together in an accessible and welcoming environment.
