The Bethpage Park Tennis Center is conducting its annual Tennis Party to benefit its Community Advocacy Program on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Since the center's opening one year ago, over 400 visitors enjoy free and very low cost programs each week.

"Some seniors don't like to miss a day. They play and then enjoy each others' company. At $1/hour per person, it's affordable and available rain or shine, hot or cold," explained Steve Kaplan, the center's director.

Free programs are conducted weekly for special populations and the physically challenged. These programs are supported by HERO (Help Expand Recreational Opportunities) and aims to raise the conscience level of able bodied individuals to better understand the physically challenged community. Both children and adults receive tennis instruction which serves to provide fun, foster positive behavior, alternate lifelong use of leisure time, and integrate less inhibited into the community.

Over $20,000 in scholarships have been awarded to top tennis players from across Long Island for intensive tournament training as part of the School and Community Program.

"We aid and encourage these players to be the best they can be," said Keith Kambourian, head tennis professional at the center, "but they also understand that they are role models and must give back to the sport."

Over $20,000 in scholarships is also available for minority children to receive comprehensive tournament training with the ultimate goal of receiving a college tennis scholarship. This weekly program is run in cooperation with Alliance Tennis of Long Island and the Eastern Tennis Association.

Tickets are $45 per person or $75 per couple for the event which includes food and refreshments, free play, instruction and drilling, exhibition match, live music by "6V6" and a silent auction.