A Retired Teacher’s Pickleball Journey: A former teacher is using the fast-growing sport of pickleball to bring joy and comfort to children in need. Wendy Cooper, a 30-year teaching veteran, has found a unique way to combine her passion for education with her love for the game. Her non-profit initiative, Healthy Highway, features its mascot, Rev, at the heart of the mission.
The initiative, powered by pickleball tournament fundraisers, focuses on distributing custom Rev pillows to children. Each tournament registration directly funds one pillow, connecting players to the cause.
The Journey of Rev
Rev, a character initially created as a three-foot cardboard cutout for a healthy eating lesson, quickly became a beloved symbol for children. Cooper explained,
“He actually was a cardboard cutout to begin with, three-foot-tall and the kids hugged him. So I thought alright we have to make him a little softer.” – (Wendy Cooper)
The mascot’s appeal grew, taking Cooper to schools and education conferences across the country. Today, Rev’s legacy has expanded into a national movement of compassion.
Celebrating 1,000 Pillows
Saturday’s event at Roc City Pickleball marks the seventh “Rev-olution” tournament, where Cooper will celebrate giving away the 1,000th pillow.
“They just really see that connection and it’s very powerful for them knowing that this child will receive a pillow with their name on it even though they don’t know this person. But that child will know that’s a real person that thought of them.” – (Wendy Cooper)
The pillows, which have reached 25 states and over 60 organizations, symbolize care and connection.
Priceless Moments of Joy
Recently, Cooper personally delivered her first pillow, an experience she described as “priceless.” Recalling the moment, she said,
“I will always remember it. They take a hold of Rev they put him right to their chest to their heart and they don’t let go.” – (Wendy Cooper)
Cooper’s mission continues to thrive, combining the camaraderie of pickleball with a cause that warms the hearts of children across the nation.
News in Brief: A Retired Teacher’s Pickleball Journey
Wendy Cooper, a retired teacher, is using pickleball tournament fundraisers to distribute custom pillows featuring Rev, the mascot of her non-profit Healthy Highway.
Each registration funds one pillow, with her initiative reaching 25 states and over 60 organizations. Saturday’s tournament in Rochester, N.Y., marks a milestone as Cooper celebrates distributing her 1,000th pillow.
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