InTucker Magazine

Citizen of the Month – Rita Maloof

It is said that a good citizen is one who makes a difference in the community to which one belongs. Volunteering in Tucker Cityhood, ALTA, and Mountain Mums Garden Club are just a few examples of how Rita Maloof is making a difference.

Rita Maloof grew up in a large DeKalb family, known for contributing to the County in various aspects. She is definitely continuing that family tradition.

Graduating from St Pius and the University of Georgia, Rita then worked in corporate management for over 20 years with Automatic Data Processing.

After retiring, Rita hasn’t been still. She and Allen (whom she met playing tennis) run Inflatables for All Occasions and play tennis and pickleball through the Tucker Rec League. They’ve lived in Tucker for 26 years.

Rita researched, and then volunteered, on the initial Cityhood campaign. She also has served on Tucker’s Trail Committee.

As a genuine sports enthusiast, Rita currently serves as President of ALTA (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association). ALTA is 90 years young and is the largest volunteer run recreational tennis and pickleball organization in the world with over 60,000 members. Rita is the past First Vice President and past ALTA Foundation President. The ALTA Foundation supports racquet sports in underserved communities in metro Atlanta and expands programs for funding tennis teams in Title One schools. Partners Rita serves with include Shepherd Center, Blaze Sports, Special Pops & Special Olympics. Rita is the past ALTA Junior Leagues Vice President and serves on the ALTA Board of Directors & Executive Committee. All volunteer positions!

Not only active in tennis, Rita enjoys gardening and giving back to her community through the Mountain Mums garden club. As a Mum, Rita is the previous past club President. She currently serves as Awards Chair and is also past programs Director. She is an active participant in Garden Therapy, volunteering at a local Tucker Assisted Living. Rita helps with the annual Walk to Remember, raising awareness of safe driving, maintaining the Memorial Garden Triangle and raising money for drivers scholarships. Rita is also helping with the beautification project at the Tucker Police Precinct, cleaning and replanting beds around the building.

As a member of Smoke Rise Country Club, Rita serves on the Racquet Committee, and chairs the SR Design Committee. As a Ladies Golf Association Committee member, Rita chairs the annual “Ghost and Ghouls” golf tournament.

Even though Rita is very busy, she always has time for her friends. When I was unexpectedly hospitalized last year, Rita came to my home and organized furniture deliveries so that everything was in order for my recovery. She also was part of an amazing Meal Train!

Rita Maloof is definitely making a difference in the community to which she belongs. I am honored to be her friend, and to nominate her for the City of Tucker Citizen of the Month.

Nominated by Gaye Auman