Southwest Colorado Pickleball Fundraiser Event: The Southwest Colorado Pickleball Association will host a fundraiser tournament on September 6 and 7 at the Schneider Park pickleball courts in Durango. The event will raise money for the Durango Dementia Coalition, a local nonprofit supporting those affected by dementia.
A Community Tradition
Tournament director Dan Zalbowitz said this is the second fundraiser organized by the association. Last year’s event raised $15,000 for La Plata County Search and Rescue’s Radios for Rescue campaign, which helped the group purchase better radios.
“The reason we chose the Durango Dementia Coalition is because there are a number of people in the pickleball association that have dementia. I want to honor and recognize those people and what they did to bring the courts to reality.”(Dan Zalbowitz)
Honoring Local Leaders
This year’s chosen nonprofit was inspired by Ranae Bakel, a former board member who worked at the Durango Community Recreation Center and passed away in July. Last year’s recipient, La Plata County Search and Rescue, was selected in honor of board member Jim Shadid, who died after becoming lost on a hike in 2023.
“So far, we’ve raised probably close to $10,000 between entry fees and sponsors. So we’re still looking for more sponsors. The tournament is Sept. 6 and 7, and we have about 100 to 105 participants so far.”(Dan Zalbowitz)
The Spirit of the Game
Rick Cobb, a pickleball ambassador for the association, played in last year’s tournament and will return this year. He said the game is about fun, community, and giving back.
“It’s a multigenerational, multi-gender, multi-everything sport you just want to play and have fun. And guess what? The money goes to a good cause.”(Rick Cobb)
Cobb, who turns 70 in January, also shared why the sport matters to him.
“One sign of good mental health is having friends in every decade. Well, I do that in spades at the pickleball courts, you know; I’m playing with all kinds of age (groups) over there.”(Rick Cobb)
More Than a Sport
Zalbowitz said pickleball has a positive impact far beyond the courts.
“I am a believer. I have seen pickleball be a pick-me-up for friends and relatives as they struggle through the difficulties of life such as injury, illness, divorce and the death of a loved one.”(Dan Zalbowitz)
Looking Ahead
Registration for the tournament costs $25 per person and closes on August 30. With growing participation and strong community support, organizers hope this fundraiser will continue to build on last year’s success while honoring those who inspired it.
News in Brief: Southwest Colorado Pickleball Fundraiser Event
The Southwest Colorado Pickleball Association will hold a fundraiser tournament September 6–7 at Schneider Park to benefit the Durango Dementia Coalition. Director Dan Zalbowitz said about 100 players are signed up, with $10,000 raised so far. Registration closes August 30. Entry fee is $25 per player.
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