Pinetop-Lakeside Pickleball Club Fundraiser: The Pinetop-Lakeside Pickleball Club raised more than $1,500 during its spring tournament held on April 26 and 27 at the Lakeside gym. Thirty-eight teams from across the region played in six divisions. The event supports the club’s goal of building new outdoor pickleball courts in the community.
High Energy and Happy Players
The gym was full of energy as players, families, and fans enjoyed the tournament. The event included competitive and social matches in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles categories.
“We had a great time watching and playing!” one participant said. Another added, “It was a great tournament.” A third shared, “Thank you to everyone who helped coordinate this fun and successful event!”
Medal Winners Announced
In Competitive Men’s Doubles, Austin Khane and Mick Arellano won the gold medal. Jim Lazzeroni and Rob Schneider finished second, and Lars Meyer and Scott Hoffman placed third.
Scott Hoffman also played in Competitive Mixed Doubles and won gold with Cheryl Cox. Jim Lazzeroni and Denise van Zijll won silver, and Jason Carter and Krista Beazley came in third.
In Competitive Women’s Doubles, Denise van Zijll and Anita King claimed gold. Krista Beazley and Cheryl Cox earned silver. Sue Sitko and Michelle Gagnon won the bronze medal.
Social matches brought just as much excitement. In Social Men’s Doubles, Garth Orkney and Kenny Cail took first place. Steve Hair and Jeff Bevers finished second, and Mike Sarchet and David Koehler earned third.
Max Anderson and Stephanie Anderson won gold in Social Mixed Doubles. Dan Bollinger and Maureen Mueller placed second. Garth Orkney earned another medal, winning bronze with Revone Bauwers.
In Social Women’s Doubles, Revone Bauwers and Annie House won gold. Maureen Mueller and Melissa Lazzeroni finished second. Alexis Snider and Deborah Williams placed third.
More Ways to Help
The tournament is part of the club’s larger goal to build eight new outdoor pickleball courts next to the Lakeside gym. The club, which has over 400 active members, is working with the town to create a new space for the sport.
To help raise more money, the club will host a silent auction on May 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lakeside gym. Items already donated include a $2,800 legal trust package from The Rigg Law Firm and a vacation package to San Carlos, Mexico. The vacation includes a three-night stay in a luxury home and a two-hour charter boat ride.
The club is also running monthly 50/50 raffles. Tickets start at just $1. Winners get half the prize money. The rest goes toward the court project. Donations can be made by check, cash, or through Zelle. The club is a registered nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible.
Growing the Sport Locally
The tournament showed how much support pickleball has in the White Mountains. With players of all ages taking part, the event helped build excitement for the new courts. The club hopes more people and businesses will continue to support its mission to grow pickleball in the area.
News in Brief: Pinetop-Lakeside Pickleball Club Fundraiser
The Pinetop-Lakeside Pickleball Club’s April 26–27 tournament raised over $1,500 for outdoor courts. With 38 teams in six divisions, the event featured exciting matches and community support. A silent auction will take place on May 24, with more fundraising events to follow.
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