IMA (International Medical Assistance Inc.) hosted its first charity pickleball tournament in the Sacramento region last month. PlayTime Scheduler was proud to sponsor the event. It was a fun-filled day of MLP style team play at my home courts at Rusch Park. There were some hilarious team names including "Dirty Dinking," "Mid Court Crisis", "Serves You Right", "We Have a Dinking Problem," and "The Daily Brined." High fives to my team, “Weekend at Erne’s” for pulling off a white knuckle Dreambreaker victory in one very tough division! My pals Jamie and Trisha donated their time as tournament directors, Sunrise Pickleball Club waived the court rental and registration fees, and PTS donated the awards – guaranteeing that 100% of the proceeds went directly to IMA.

IMA is changing the lives of girls living in poverty in Guatemala. While public education is free, it is difficult for families to afford necessary textbooks, school supplies and uniforms. Culturally, if a family can afford to send a child to school, they choose their oldest son. Girls are kept at home to help with household chores, provide childcare, beg for money, or work to clean houses. In some cases, they are even exploited by their family for money. IMA is changing the future for girls in Guatemala by providing education, meals, health care, dental care and even sports like pickleball! Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. IMA has been active in Guatemala for over thirty years and has been thrilled to see the students go on to pursue careers, higher education and in several cases master’s degrees. IMA’s alumni have changed the trajectory of their lives as well as that of their children and community. You can be a game changer for girls living in poverty by joining our team of dedicated sponsors. Click the button below to learn more or make a donation.