Borrowing a page from the successful jog-a-thon model of fundraising, the Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma will host a hit-a-thon Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will raise money for the Youth Tennis San Diego (YTSD) programs.  “We have always had an annual fundraiser like a black-tie gala event,” said Tom O’Brien, Barnes Tennis Center program director. “This year, we wanted to try something new. So instead of running laps to raise money, our participants will hit tennis balls back and forth.”  What adds to the uniqueness of the event is that the people who benefit the most from the dollars raised are also the ones who are participating in the hit-a-thon.  “We have over 200 kids signed up right now and are expecting even more the day of the event with walk-ins,” O’Brien said.  In addition, this approach allows many people who normally could not afford a high-end banquet-type fundraiser to be involved too, said O’Brien.  “Asking kids to go out and get sponsors creates a situation whereby those people are supporting the kids in their efforts,” he said.  For the hit-a-thon, children will be divided by age into three basic categories, from beginners to those with some experience to those who have played a lot.  In the first group, children will have balls tossed to them; the second group will hit with teaching pros and the last group will have children hitting against one another.  Prizes will be awarded to the top hitters in each group.  “This fundraiser is more than just hitting tennis balls,” O’Brien said. “We will have face painting, Wii Tennis and table tennis among other activities for kids. For adults there will be a tennis clinic, doubles mixer, fast-serve cage and a silent auction which will be a raffle.”  While the activities involve hundreds of people, the objectives of the event are very simple, according to O’Brien.  “We have two goals,” he said. “Our primary goal is for everyone to have fun. Our second goal is to increase exposure of Youth Tennis San Diego facilities and programs.”  Walk-ins are welcome, but hit-a-thon participants need to arrive by 10:30 a.m. The hit-a-thon portion of the event begins promptly at 11 a.m. The fundraiser begins with an exhibition on the stadium court at 10 a.m.  Admission and parking are free. There will also be a food booth with items for sale.  Youth Tennis San Diego is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote the educational, physical, and social development of all youth through organized tennis and educational activities. Community programs encourage youth participation, personal integrity, leadership and competitive spirit in a friendly environment that builds responsible citizens.  The Barnes Tennis Center is located at 4490 West Point Loma Blvd.  For more information, call (619) 221-9224, or visit www.barnestenniscenter.com.