“Cinco de Mayo” was celebrated by the Amherstburg Pickleball Association (APA) with a goal of using the funds that were raised for new courts.
The fundraiser was presented Friday night with many decked out in festive attire. Linda DiPasquale, fundraising committee co-chair and communications chair, and fundraising committee co-chair Kirk Churchill noted a major accomplishment the APA has achieved was the motion passed by town council during budget deliberations to build eight dedicated pickleball courts on the Libro Centre grounds.
Proceeds from fundraisers like “Cinco de Mayo” and a pasta dinner held last year will go towards the construction of those pickleball courts. The APA has raised over $20,000 thus far.
Approximately 140 people came to last Friday night’s “Cinco de Mayo” fundraiser.
“We’re very happy with it,” said Churchill. “The support has been outstanding.”
DiPasquale said the event was presented by a hard working team of volunteers, including the chefs from Nat’s Wraps & Apps, who presented an all-you-can-eat taco bar, while others provided the baked goods and went out for door prizes.
There were over 60 door prizes, DiPasquale pointed out.
The River Rock Ramblers provided the musical entertainment while HL Hamilton was the title sponsor.
“Everything has come together so nicely by a team of volunteers,” said DiPasquale.
Many of the people at the “Cinco de Mayo” event were family and friends of APA members, she added, and they are looking to invite them into their ranks.
“Pickleball is not just about the love of the sport,” she said. “It’s about community building, making connections and building friendships.”
The APA has “run a lot of successful fundraisers,” she added, while Churchill recalled the $10,000 donation the Harrow Kinsmen made to the project. The association has 225 members, she added, and continues to grow. They have already presented beginner clinics and tournaments.
“The courts that are going in are going to be the newest and nicest courts in Essex County,” said Churchill.
For more information or to join the APA, visit www.amherstburgpickleball.ca.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: After the original publication of this story, the APA announced they raised just over $8,000 at the May 3 fundraiser.)
“Cinco de Mayo” presented by Amherstburg Pickleball Association
By Ron Giofu