The Moore Tennis Association (MTA) needs your help in hosting a state tennis tournament.

The MTA is a community tennis association -- a geographically defined, non-profit, volunteer-based tennis organization that supports and provides tennis programs which are open and accessible to all. I really did not know all that much about them, but after attending a meeting recently I sure had my eyes opened up. What truly amazing people they are.

The project that they are undertaking blew my mind when I learned the impact is has on Moore County and the local businesses and hotels and the restaurants. It's far from just the free bananas and bottles of water that they distribute to the competitors.

The tournament that is the next "big one" for MTA is July 4 through 8 and is played by the winners of the USTA-NC Adult league play from throughout the state. Players are 19 years of age and above that participate, and competition is based on skill level. The local league here in Moore County is called "The Pines" and they send eight teams, one at each level.

The tournament uses 15 sites, including private clubs, schools and public courts. I found out that 1,200 players (they said it could be as many as 1,500 players) will participate. There are 12 local leagues across the state and teams qualify at their local competition to advance to this tournament. Winners advance to the sectionals in Mobile, Ala., late in July. Now, if you get lucky and win in Alabama, you advance to the national tournament in Arizona.

You are probably wondering what this will do for Moore County.

Well, here are the facts gleaned from a recent survey. Competitors will spend an estimated $190,000 on motels and accommodations. Attendees are estimated to spend an estimated $123,000 in local restaurants. The survey indicated that 32 percent of all participants brought along a non-playing spouse or friend. The survey also indicated that these non-participants would spend an average of $90 per visitor on food, shopping and entertainment for an estimated $36,000 spent in the area. Participants indicated they expected spending about $60,000 on shopping and entertainment.

Given current economic calculation of multiplier values the survey, conducted by John Bethune of Sandhills Community College, estimated the event would have a total impact for Moore County between $1 million and $1.6 million.

Now this is a lot of money that is spent here in Moore County. At the meeting I attended there were some truly amazing people trying to organize the event. I guess now I realize why they need some financial help: As they say, it takes money to make money, or as I like to say ya gotta give to get. The organization could really use your help.

If anyone is interested in any financial donation, please contact MTA President Susan Foster at sef@bluenotetechnology.com or you can reach me at horan@earthlink.net.

These people really make a difference -- and so could you!

Barbara Horan lives in Seven Lakes.