Limited spaces are still available for the 18th Annual Mid-Cities Supporters of SafeHaven Tennis Tournament, scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday at the Southlake Tennis Center, 450 W. Southlake Blvd.

The popular event, for years a sell-out as a one-day tournament, benefits SafeHaven of Tarrant County, a domestic violence shelter (www.safehaventc.org). Tournament play begins each day at 8:45 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m.

Cost is $50 per player. Tournament fees include a catered breakfast and lunch. In addition, Mid-Cities SOS will offer each day raffle baskets, a silent auction, goody bags and photography by Mike Lewis (www.mikelewisphotography.com)

More than 200 women have registered to play, but some spots are open at each level. Co-chairs of the event are Sandy Schwan and Mia Poorman. For more information, contact Schwan at 817-481-4937 or Poorman at 817-421-5605.

Mid-Cities SOS was created in 1985 by 25 women concerned with domestic violence. Since then, the group has grown to more than 100 members who have worked to donate $850,000 to domestic abuse programs.

Nominations are being accepted for the Legacy of Women Awards, honoring outstanding women in the categories of arts, business, education, volunteerism and health and human services.

SafeHaven of Tarrant County will recognize the winners at its 17^th Legacy of Women Awards Luncheon.  Elizabeth Ray will chair this year’s luncheon, which will be Oct. 8 at the new Dallas Cowboy stadium in Arlington.

Deadline for nominations is Thursday, and all nominees should excel and inspire other women in their respective categories.  Winners for the past two years have include Karen Newell, Pam Minick, Dr. Jane Harper, Karen Perkins, Bonnie Carroll, Judi Bishop, Suzi Hill, Deborah Jung, Patricia Harrison and Joy Ann Havran. 

Nomination forms are available by checking www.safehaventc.org or calling 817-535-6462, ext. 119.

SafeHaven of Tarrant County is a nonprofit organization combating family violence through educational support, prevention and social change. SafeHaven’s provides two emergency shelters, one in Arlington and one in Fort Worth, with accommodations for 174 women and children, making it one of the largest shelters in Texas.

Last year, the agency housed more than 2,700 adult and child victims and provided non-residential services to more than 3,700 other clients. SafeHaven also maintains a hotline and provides educational programs in the community.

Don McPherson

Don McPherson, the 1987 winner of the Davey O’Brien Award, will score the winning speech at the first-ever Legacy of Men Breakfast Feb. 17 at the Fort Worth Club.

McPherson, a former Syracuse University quarterback and NFL player, will speak at the community fundraising event to benefit SafeHaven of Tarrant County, a non-profit organization working to end family violence. (www.safehaventc.org) The football standout is now considered a leading expert on the subject of men’s violence against women.

Following his college career, McPherson was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. He also played for the Houston Oilers, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Ottawa Rough-Riders. The New York native retired from pro football in 1994. Since that time, his work as a social activist has included testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives about domestic violence.

Also scheduled for the Fort Worth breakfast is Dallas Cowboy Jason Witten receiving SafeHaven’s first Legacy of Men Award for his work in domestic violence prevention. The Cowboys’ tight end initiated the SCORE Foundation which funds mentoring programs in domestic violence shelters, including SafeHaven.

Honorary chairman of the event is Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck, and former sports anchor Scott Murray will emcee.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $100 per person, and tables of 8 are available for $750. For reservations, contact Michelle Karr at 817-535-6462, ext. 101.