Pickleball Tournament Helps Raise Funds for Victims of Hurricane Michael in Florida

The Men’s Club of Punta Gorda, Florida have lunch once a month after a morning of pickleball at Gilchrist Park. Made up of mostly seniors, these community-minded men are always trying to help in any way they can the area in which they live and play.

In the past, the club has organized crews to clean up the city parks, paint houses for Habitat of Humanity and have helped organized a pickleball tournament for a hospice fundraiser. Earlier this year, the club decided to help victims of Hurricane Michael that devastated the Florida Panhandle near Mexico Beach in late 2018.

USAPA Ambassador David Fox, Men’s Club member opened up registration for a one day tournament to help raise funds for those affected by Mother Nature. The response was overwhelming and registration closed within hours. Many people that were unable to sign up in time, donated money to assist those in need.

The local chapter of the Red Cross was on hand watching and enjoying the event and thoroughly impressed with how the small community of Punta Gorda rallied around a worthwhile cause. After a free cookout lunch, David and other members of the Men’s Club handed the Red Cross a check for over $2,000!

Just another example on how the sport of pickleball along with caring individuals can make a difference in so many lives.