Boca Set To Honor Roddick

It is a measure of how hectic Andy Roddick’s schedule has been since he captured his first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open that this week, two months after he defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final, Roddick finally will receive the keys to Boca Raton.

The ceremony to honor Boca’s boy wonder of tennis will be Thursday at the Saks Fifth Avenue at the Town Center at Boca Raton, in conjunction with a fashion show that kicks off Roddick’s annual charity drive to benefit Kids in Distress, Back to Basics Angel Fund for Migrant Children and Marguax’s Miracle Foundation.

His giving season will culminate Nov. 23 with a day of tennis at Florida Atlantic University that is scheduled to include appearances by Pat McEnroe and Jim Courier and a singles match between Roddick and his former Boca Prep teammate Mardy Fish.

Roddick, 21, who ascends this week to No. 1 in the world rankings, is taking time out from rehearsals in New York for a guest-hosting stint Saturday on Saturday Night Live to front the fashion show and be feted by Boca Raton Mayor Steven Abrams.

Arnold Brant, one of Canada’s top menswear designers and a sponsor of Roddick’s charity event, is expected to be there. Also scheduled to be on hand are Dolphins running back Ricky Williams and cornerback Sam Madison.

The fashion show starts at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Tickets for the tennis tournament, which run from $10 apiece for general seating to $50 for reserved seats on the floor, can be purchased by calling (561) 392-2652. They may also be purchased through FAU’s ticket office at (561) 297-3737.