The Amherstburg Community Foundation (ACF) has helped local pickleball players thanks to some grant funding.
Representatives from the ACF attended a recent Sunday morning player clinic and equipment showcase the APA presented at North Star High School. ACF president Lori Wightman said the foundation contributed $4,250 to the APA to assist with new paddles, balls and a ball machine.
“It’s an initiative that fills all of our visions and values,” said Wightman. “We’re happy to contribute. It’s making Amherstburg even better.”
Sue Klotzer, secretary with the APA’s board of directors, said the group wants to attract younger people to start playing the game. She added they also want to add programming for those with special needs.
“There’s something going on many days of the week somewhere,” said Klotzer.
Among the locations used by the APA are North Star High School, Harrow Public School, Amherstburg Public School and Anderdon Public School and the Libro Centre.
They play outdoors in the warmer months, and the group will be getting eight pickleball-specific courts at the Libro Centre thanks to town council committing funding for those courts in the 2024 budget.
The APA continues to fundraise for the new courts in an attempt to offset courts. The association is hosting a “Cinco de Mayo social fundraiser” May 3 at 6 p.m. at the AMA Sportsmen’s Club. The fundraiser will feature food, drinks, raffles, a silent auction, with music by bands and musicians from the area.
Klotzer said the APA has raised approximately $20,000 thus far with the goal of $100,000.
Tickets for the “Cinco de Mayo” fundraiser are $35 each with a cash bar. For inquiries and ticket sales, e-mail fundraising co-chair and communications chair Linda DiPasquale at ldipasquale@amherstburgpickleball.ca, e-transfer money to apapbtreasurer@gmail.com or visit the APA’s website at www.amherstburgpickleball.ca. ACF makes financial contribution to APA
By Ron Giofu
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