Parish Cupboard Pickleball Fundraiser Event: The Parish Cupboard will hold its third annual pickleball fundraiser on Saturday, September 13, at Mittineague Park in West Springfield. This pickleball event begins at 8:30 a.m. and will raise money to provide food for individuals and families in need. A rain date is set for Sunday, September 14, at noon.
Event Details
The fundraiser, called a FUNdraiser, is open to players of all levels, with a focus on beginner and intermediate groups. The format will be round-robin with a scramble style so everyone plays multiple matches. The entry fee is $40 per player, or $20 for participants 18 years old and younger.
The field is limited to 32 players. Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded. Two divisions will be available: beginner to intermediate and competitive, for higher-level players. Spectators are welcome, and a raffle will take place after the games.
Fundraising Success
Chip Arnold, board member and event coordinator, said the fundraiser has been very successful. The first year brought in $8,000, and last year raised $13,000.
“We are able to purchase things we need through the Food Bank, which helps. Every dollar we raise through fundraising, we get a better deal through the Food Bank than we would if we went to a grocery store and paid retail prices,” (Chip Arnold).
Supporting the Community
The Parish Cupboard provides hot lunches five days a week and offers supplemental groceries. The organization serves people in West Springfield, Agawam, and Feeding Hills. Arnold noted that food insecurity has grown.
“I think the number of families and individuals coming to us for assistance has doubled in the past two years,” (Chip Arnold).
Challenges Ahead
Arnold also warned that state and federal funding may no longer reach organizations like the Parish Cupboard, making donations and fundraisers essential.
“It’s getting harder for everyday people to earn a living and to meet their budget needs. That’s where we come in. I’m telling our supporters that we’re relying all the more on our business partners and people are stepping up and they realize that,”(Chip Arnold).
News in Brief: Parish Cupboard Pickleball Fundraiser Event
The Parish Cupboard will host its third annual pickleball fundraiser on September 13 at Mittineague Park, West Springfield. The event aims to raise money to fight food insecurity. With funding challenges ahead, organizers stress the importance of donations to continue supporting families in West Springfield, Agawam, and Feeding Hills.