If you’ve ever wondered whether fundraising for a good cause can be loads of fun, just ask the enthusiastic members of KidWorks’ recently formed Women’s Committee. They were the talent behind the first annual KidWorks Women’s Pickleball Tournament, held on Oct. 23 at the Newport Beach Country Club.
The tournament was much more than a day of fun for all involved. It was pickleball with a purpose.
The USA Pickleball Association, the national governing body for the sport in this country, says pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and combines “many elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong.” The sport dates back to 1965.
The idea of a women’s pickleball tournament originated with KidWorks’ supporters Sharon Roy and Corrine Morganstern, who also served as event co-chairs. Committee members were Leslie Casserly, Betsy Flint, Heather Gaughan, Kathy Genevay, Leslie Montgomery, Corinne Morgenstern, Sharon Roy and Kyle Team.
Tournament sponsors included B. Candy, Leslie Montgomery, the Newport Beach Country Club and Oltmans Construction.
The tournament was a delightful “friend raiser” for the KidWorks Women’s Committee while also raising $12,000 in support of KidWorks’ College Success Initiative™ (CSI), which serves low income students from “Pre-K to B.A.”
The initiative represents our 18-year commitment to each student at KidWorks, who are often the first generation in their family to attend college. KidWorks is deeply grateful to the CSI initiative’s sponsor, David A. Pyle, philanthropist, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of American Career College and shareholder of West Coast University.
Events like the pickleball tournament also raise essential funds that continue our sixth straight year of a 100 percent graduation rate by high school students enrolled in our programs. Moreover, 100 percent of these 2020 graduates are continuing their education this fall despite the COVID-19 pandemic and an equally impressive 75% of our college students are returning back to school this fall.
“We are so grateful to the organizers, sponsors and over 50 players who made our first annual pickleball tournament such fun—and such a success,” says Lisa Gels, our Associate Director of Development. “This tournament shows that the KidWorks’ Women’s Committee has tremendous potential for the months and years ahead. The committee brings together caring individuals to ‘fund raise and friend raise.’”
Many of the women who played in the tournament had not previously connected with KidWorks and we look forward to ongoing relationships.
Lisa says that focusing on raising funds in support of our College Success Initiative™ made the pickleball tournament especially meaningful. “This initiative helps level the playing field by providing equity for our students as they dream, believe and then achieve a bright future.”
A special moment followed tournament play. Yosely Ocampo, a senior at Mater Dei High School and who is enrolled in our youth and academic programs, shared her KidWorks story.
“If it weren’t for KidWorks I don’t think I’d be going to college next year,” Yosely shared with the women. “KidWorks has provided me with so much more than help with school. I found God during my summer at KidWorks while away at camp and I’ve had so many wonderful experiences that were only possible thanks to KidWorks and everyone who provides support.”
We're excited to see the KidWorks’ Women’s Committee grow as they partner with us to help our students reach their educational and career goals.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer