Okotoks Pickleball and Tennis Centre’s Debut Fundraiser: The Okotoks Pickleball & Tennis Centre (OPTC) is gearing up for its inaugural fundraising event, marking a pivotal moment in the journey toward creating a 44,000-square-foot facility dedicated to pickleball and tennis enthusiasts. Scheduled for August 8, the event will be spearheaded by local residents Rob and Sharon Tod, who have become passionate advocates for the sport.
A New Beginning for Pickleball and Tennis in Okotoks
Sharon Tod discovered pickleball during a time of transition. I was newly retired, still in the COVID-19 days, and needed something to get me out of the house. Pickleball was just what I needed, she recalls. “Rob and I fell in love with the game instantly. It’s a fantastic way to stay fit, and meet new people, and it’s quite affordable.”
The OPTC is aiming to raise $10 million through fundraising efforts, and the upcoming event plays a crucial role in this campaign. At an open house held on May 13, OPTC president Ryan Sawatzky revealed a significant boost to the fundraising effort: a $500,000 matching fund from Kirsten Anderson and David Keith.
Sharon Tod emphasized the importance of this match for the August 8 event.
“Let’s say we raise $10,000 it’s going to be $30,000 thanks to this lovely family that is matching the donations by double up until the end of this year.”
A Taste of Manitoba and Community Support
The Tods are bringing a touch of their Manitoba roots to the event, planning an “old-time Manitoba social” at the Foothills Centennial Centre. From 7 p.m. to midnight, attendees can enjoy live music from local artist Jay Burns, a DJ, and a silent auction featuring items from local businesses. Contributors like Tom’s House of Pizza, D’Arcy Ranch Golf, The Naughty Grape, and RE/MAX have already donated a range of items, from household treasures to high-end pickleball paddles.
“We’ve got Jay Burns, a local musician from Okotoks. He’s fantastic, plays all types of music. We’ve got a DJ that’s going to fill in between Jay’s sets, and we’ve gone out into the community and got a tonne of silent auction items that range from great things you can have in your house to highly-priced pickleball paddles.”
Support the Vision
Tickets for the event are available on the OPTC website, offering residents and pickleball enthusiasts a chance to support a cause that promises to enhance recreational opportunities in Okotoks. As the countdown to August 8 continues, the OPTC’s ambitious vision for a state-of-the-art pickleball and tennis complex is one step closer to becoming a reality.
News in Brief: Okotoks Pickleball and Tennis Centre’s Debut Fundraiser
The Okotoks Pickleball & Tennis Centre (OPTC) is set to host its inaugural fundraising event on August 8, aiming to support the creation of a 44,000-square-foot facility. Spearheaded by local advocates Rob and Sharon Tod, the event will feature an ‘old-time Manitoba social’ at the Foothills Centennial Centre, complete with live music, a DJ, and a silent auction. With a $500,000 matching fund from Kirsten Anderson and David Keith, every dollar raised will be doubled, significantly boosting the $10 million fundraising goal. The community’s strong support underscores enthusiasm for the new complex, which promises to enhance recreational opportunities in Okotoks. Tickets are available on the OPTC website.
