Fairport Pickleball Fundraiser: In the ongoing fight against cancer, Marty Lembo’s oncologist, Dr. Richard Dunne, championed the benefits of exercise as a crucial element of treatment. Following Marty’s passing in 2018, his widow, Cyndi Lembo, embraced this philosophy by dedicating herself to fundraising efforts. Cyndi founded Team Marty, an initiative focused on supporting cancer research. In 2023, Team Marty made significant strides, raising over $17,000 for the Wilmot Cancer Institute through the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Walk.
A New Challenge: Pickleball
On September 7, Team Marty will shift gears to a new fitness-oriented fundraiser: “Dinking for Wilmot Dollars,” a pickleball tournament set to take place at the Fairport Pickleball Club on North Main Street. Cyndi Lembo explained,
“Dr. Richard Dunne, Marty’s oncologist, does a lot of research on exercise and how it’s helpful. He would say every time we met, ‘Are you exercising? Are you getting out and doing things?’ He’d say, the more you move, the better you’re going to feel. I’ve recently fallen in love with pickleball and play several times a week. I was chatting with friends and we said, why don’t we do a tournament?” – (Cyndi Lembo)
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Fundraising Goals and Event Details
Team Marty aims to raise $20,000 for 2024. As of August 14, nearly $11,000 has been secured, including $700 from a yoga class held in June. The pickleball tournament is expected to draw 100 participants, with a registration fee set at $65. The event will guarantee three games per participant and accommodate various skill levels. Local eateries such as Salvatore’s Pizzeria, Mark’s Pizzeria, and Dinosaur BBQ will provide meals, and attendees can look forward to prizes and raffle baskets.
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Upcoming Events
Beyond the pickleball tournament, Team Marty will host two additional fundraising events in September: the second annual Team Marty Happy Hour on September 20 at 5 p.m. at 35 West St. in Fairport, and the Wilmot Warrior Walk on September 22, marking Team Marty’s seventh consecutive year of participation.
News in Brief: Fairport Pickleball Fundraiser
Team Marty, established by Cyndi Lembo in memory of her late husband Marty, is pivoting to a new fundraiser with “Dinking for Wilmot Dollars,” a pickleball tournament on September 7 at the Fairport Pickleball Club. With a 2024 goal of raising $20,000, nearly $11,000 has been collected so far.
The event will feature a three-game guarantee, various skill levels, and meals from local vendors. Team Marty will also host a Happy Hour on September 20 and participate in the Wilmot Warrior Walk on September 22.
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