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Photo (l-r): Lorrie Sanger, York Paddle Tennis & Pickleball Club (YPPC) Board Member; Kate Ford, Event Co-chair; Chip Coupal, YPPC Board President; Susan Kelly-Westman, York Hospital Oncology Social Worker; Jan Underhill, Event Co-chair; Lauren Delong, YPPC Board Vice President. YPPC.


When the members of the York Paddle Tennis & Pickleball Club (YPPC) decided that a year-end tournament “might be fun,” they had no idea what was to come. Following this fundraiser, YPPC Board and committee members recently presented York Hospital with a check for over $13,000 in support of their Living Well With Cancer Fund.

On the weekend of September 25 and 26, the first annual York Paddle Tennis & Pickleball Club Tournament took place at their location on Mill Lane in York. Expecting a limited turnout for the first year, and after some discussion, a decision was made to make it a cancer care fundraiser for York Hospital. Within days they had a waiting list and expanded the tournament field.

“Our end-of-season club tournament started out as just that – an event for our members to close out the season. We added the ‘fundraiser for York Hospital’ component and the energy and feel of the tournament completely changed. Everyone has been touched by cancer in one way or another and YPPC members, unfortunately, are no exception. Whether playing pickleball or paddle tennis, our membership stepped up, opened their hearts and gave to a great cause – well beyond our expectations,” said Jan Underhill, event co-chair. Kate Ford, pickleball committee member and Jan’s co-chair partner cheerily added, “Our goal for the ‘Put Away Cancer’ Fundraiser event was initially $500, which we quickly adjusted to $3,000 as the donations from our membership began to arrive. We had no idea the club would raise over $13,000 for the fund – although in retrospect, we should not have been surprised. Members of the York Paddle and Pickleball Club are among the kindest and most generous in our community.”

The successful fundraiser, involving over 65 participants, included food and gas gift cards in addition to cash donations from members, baskets and 50/50 raffles. Matching funds from a generous YPPC constituent also added to the excitement and bottom line.

While accepting the donation, York Hospital Oncology Social Worker Susan Kelly-Westman was happy to share details on The Living Well with Cancer Fund. “The fund provides support to people in our community who have been diagnosed with and are undergoing treatment for cancer at York Hospital. Living Well With Cancer programs center on mind, body and
well-being and include support groups, exercise programs, nutritional guidance, creativity programs, massage, Reiki & acupuncture treatments, as well as emergency financial assistance. The programs focus on wellness and support toward the ultimate goal of helping patients achieve steady improvements in mind, body and spirit in pursuit of total body wellness.”

Kelly-Westman also added, “I am so touched by the enthusiasm and generosity of the York Paddle Tennis & Pickleball Club. The donation of over $13,000 to the Living Well With Cancer Fund is simply amazing and will help our patients in so many ways. After roughly 19 months and no community fundraising gatherings due to COVID-19 concerns, this outdoor event brought so many people together in the name of health, wellness and kindness, and will certainly offer a physical and emotional boost to cancer patients in our community currently going through treatment.”

For details about York Hospital’s Cancer Care services, please contact Susan Kelly-Westman, LMSW, at 207-351-3721, York Hospital Oncology & Infusion Care, 127 Long Sands Road, York, ME 03909. For more information on York Hospital’s other services, visit yorkhospital.com or contact the Community Relations office at 207-351-2385 or [email protected].

If you are interested in discovering more about YPPC, visit yorkpaddletennisclub.org or contact them at [email protected].

 

Results of the Tournament are as follows:

Women’s Doubles
Gold       Kathy Yager and Kris Andonian
Silver      Cath Sherman and Holly Grimes
Bronze   Jane Craig and Kate Ford

Men’s Doubles
Gold       Todd Shaver and John Craig
Silver      Scott Daskoski and Dana Skiffington
Bronze    Mike Vessey and Greg Kaknes

Mixed Doubles
Gold       Barb MacLeod and Todd Shaver
Silver      Lianne and Jim Cronin
Bronze    Kate Ford and John Craig