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What’s News in Pickleball
Red Cross
Local Red Cross Chapter in Florida Feels the
Warmth of Pickleball Fundraising Tournament
The IFP
has elected
PAT MURPHY
AS THE NEW
PRESIDENT
P
N
ever underestimate the philanthropic efforts and
charitable endeavors of the pickleball community.
As Hurricane Michael was wreaking havoc on the
Florida Panhandle near Mexico Beach late last year,
USAPA Ambassador David Fox, along with members of his Men’s
Club at Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda, Florida, came up with an
idea to assist those devastated by Mother Nature.
The group meets for lunch once a month after play on the
courts and one particular gathering sparked a desire to stage a
benefit pickleball tournament with proceeds donated to the local
chapter of the Red Cross.
Comprised of mostly seniors, these community-minded men
are never far from the battle lines in helping those in need.
Over the years, the Men’s Club has organized crews to clean
up city parks, enhance Habitat of Humanity houses and helped
organize a pickleball tournament for a hospice fundraiser.
When Fox opened up registration for the one-day tournament,
the response was overwhelming and registration was closed
within a few short hours. Unfortunately, many people were unable
to play, but still the event tugged at their hearts and they donated
money for the cause.
The Red Cross came down to watch the event and after a free
cookout lunch, Fox and other members of the Men’s Club handed
the organization a check for over $2,000!
As David Fox and his fellow members displayed, pickleball is
so much more than just a sport. It’s a game that embodies the
human spirit of caring and love.
at Murphy is
currently the
Training Chair
and a Board
Member of the USAPA
and has been involved
on the international
pickleball scene since
attending the Spanish
Open and Bainbridge
Cup tournament in 2017.
In 2018, he was Tournament Director of the
Bainbridge Cup held in Italy and hosted by the
Italian Pickleball Association. Pat resides in
Goodyear, AZ.
“I know Pat will bring an incredible work
ethic and a special skill set to the IFP. We are
fortunate to have him as our new president
given his vast experience and ability to bring a
new direction and vision. His leadership skills
and personal relationship with IFP member
associations worldwide will enable him to
effectively drive pickleball’s growth going
forward,” says Mike Hess, past IFP president.
The IFP will hold its first International
Pickleball Conference and General Meeting
for all IFP member associations attending this
year’s 3rd annual Bainbridge Cup, hosted by the
German Pickleball Federation together with the
German Open Pickleball Tournament in Essen,
Germany, from July 10-14.
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