Pickleball and Tennis Collaborate to “Keep Kids Moving”

Once again, the Pickleball and Tennis communities came together for the annual “Play It Forward Charity Event.” The HPPA and HPTA agreed that they would like to do something for the elementary school at our back gate where many HP members were already involved in a mentoring program and adopting classroom projects. Our hope was to provide a need for the school that would align with our project goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle by keeping kids moving! Kathleen Halverson, Assistant Principal at Ray V. Pottorf Elementary, was contacted and she immediately expressed the wish to have a large outdoor fan under their pavilion so the children could safely play outside when the weather was hot. Bingo! Big Ass Fans of Lexington Kentucky was contacted and estimates for the fan and installation were obtained.

Since the “Ball Shoot-Out” format had been so successful the last two years, it was chosen again. Tennis balls were sold by our pickleball and tennis volunteers in the pro shop breezeway, and at the pickleball and tennis courts. These balls, labeled with member numbers, were then hit by our Tennis Pros, Chad Dyer, Danny Camacho, and Carolyn Lawver, into targets on the tennis courts. Those that went through the targets were eligible for cash prizes.

The culmination of the project was held on January 19. After the “Ball Shoot-out,” members enjoyed a Tennis Round Robin and Open Pickleball Play. Following the two sessions a delicious brunch was served and cash prizes awarded. The HPPA provided silent auction items which added another $680 to the total monies collected.

In total, the Pickleball and Tennis “Play It Forward” event raised just under $10,000! Arrangements will be made to present a check to Ms. Halverson under that pavilion, and they will be well on their way to getting their fan. Thanks to all of the volunteers and the generous HP community for their support for without it, this project would never have happened.