by Ellwood Shreve, Chatham Daily News, Published Apr 29, 2025
The Chatham-Kent Community Foundation teamed up with the Chatham-Kent Pickleball Club to host its first pickleball tournament on Saturday at the St. Clair Healthplex in Chatham.
Bill Weaver, a director with the foundation, said it wasn’t necessarily about the money that was raised, but rather an opportunity to raise awareness about what the foundation does in the community.
Noting the foundation has been around for several years, he said a lot of people still don’t know how much it contributes to the community.
Foundation chair Janine Griffore said the $14-million plus endowment allows the foundation to support more than 85 charitable organizations by providing approximately $750,000 in funding annually.
“Your kindness allows us to provide grants that will impact our community,” she said.
Mayor Darrin Canniff was joined by Lefty, the mascot for the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers with the Intercounty Baseball League, to for the ceremonial first serve.
Calling the event a great community effort, Canniff said, “This is a microcosm of what makes Chatham-Kent so amazing” groups joining together to raise money for a great cause while getting together socially.
With all spots in the women’s, men’s and mixed flights filled, Weaver said, “The Chatham-Kent Pickleball Club was key to making this event happen.”
Pete Roelfsen, a pickleball club board member, said the club was happy to use its experience to organize the event.
He added many of those participating Saturday learned about the foundation.
The club is fortunate in that it has many members who are ready and willing to play.
“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world,” Roelfsen said. “Every year it’s doubling.”
He added a challenge the club sometimes encounters is having enough courts for everyone who wants to play.
Noting the club is focused on getting youth involved in the sport, Roelfsen said more details can be found online at www.ckpickleball.com.
