Our Story
After many years of hosting charity events and/or fundraising for other foundations, such as the Mental Health Association, Buckner Children’s Home and the Make-Wish Foundation, among others, we finally decided to create our own not-for-profit entity. In 2008, Blue Sky Foundation, Inc. was formed and received status as a 501(c)(3) organization from the IRS.
Using the game of tennis as a vehicle, we started a program called Boots on the Court®. We travel to various military bases and offer FREE tennis clinics to active personnel, spouses, children and Veterans. It is our way of thanking our folks in the military and their families for the sacrifices they make every day.
As of January 1, 2020, Blue Sky Foundation, Inc. became Boots on the Court, Inc.
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Start where you are Use what you have
Arthur Ashe, American tennis star, activist, humanitarian
Do what you can
Honor to the Soldier, and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor also to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field, and serves, as he best can, the same cause — honor to him, only less than to him, who braves, for the common good, the storms of heaven and the storms of battle.
Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States
Testimonials
The Boots on the Court event was one of the most enjoyable days my wife and I have had at Fort Jackson over the past two years. The team from Boots on the Court was professional, talented, entertaining, informative and simply amazing. I have never stood that close to a Wimbledon Champion in my life or been instructed by such incredible athletes. The clinics were fun, exciting and extremely rewarding. The weather was incredible, and the setting was absolutely perfect. It was incredible to see such talented and caring athletes take the time to take care of soldiers and their families. We may not have produced any future USTA champions, but we could have, or at least planted some seeds for a lifetime of enjoyment and fun in tennis. Thank you to the professionals of Boots on the Court, and thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Dick Stockton. What an amazing couple and a world-class program. We can’t wait to do it again!! Colonel Mark Bieger
Commander, 171st Infantry Brigade , Fort Jackson, United States Army
Dick Stockton’s Boots on the Court was definitely the best event that has come to Fort Jackson in the two years we have been stationed here. The clinics included ALL levels of play and ALL ages which is hard to do with any type of event, but Boots on the Court managed to include everyone with ease. The staff was amazing and particularly patient with the youngest players; they actually looked like they were having as much fun as we were! My husband and I were thrilled with the level of excitement that Dick and his staff brought to Fort Jackson, and we are hopeful that they will return! Thanks so much to Dick, Liz and their team for supporting our Fort Jackson troops and families!!
Amy Bieger
I had the distinct pleasure of participating in a Boots on the Court event at Fort Jackson on Armed Forces Day, May 17, 2014. It was an outstanding effort by a group of outstanding professionals who made the day a tremendous success, both on and off the courts. The reverberation of the event still echoes across the tennis center at Fort Jackson as the rallying cry is, ‘will there be another such event?’ The Fort Jackson community thanks Dick and Liz Stockton and their volunteers for their extreme efforts. We appreciate the time and effort it takes to put on such a wonderful event. As you reach out to our warriors and their families to offer a gesture of gratitude to the multiple families and soldiers who serve this great nation, we salute you!! Colonel Jamie Houston
Fort Jackson DENTAC Commander, United States Army