Tennis fundraiser set for Aug. 9 to support Buddy Emery’s recovery

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Local tennis players and supporters are rallying behind longtime player and friend Buddy Emery with a fundraiser set for Saturday, Aug. 9, at Halls Ferry Park in Vicksburg.

The event, a tennis mixer hosted by Coach Rick Shields and Coach Dennis Butler, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. Proceeds will go toward medical expenses as Emery recovers from recent open-heart surgery. He is currently in the cardiovascular ICU at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Known affectionately as “Mr. Cool as Ice,” Emery has long been a beloved figure in the Vicksburg tennis community. Organizers are encouraging players of all levels to come out, enjoy a morning on the courts, and support a friend who has given so much to the local sports scene.

“Please make plans to attend and play Bud’s favorite sport while he cannot,” organizers said.

The fundraiser will be held at 257 Halls Ferry Park Road. For more information, contact Rick Shields at 601-618-4757 or Dennis Butler at 601-529-4617.