By: Kim Haig

Chincoteague Island Pickleball players held their first annual Picklepalooza, a charity fundraiser in memory of Leilani Brown, an avid pickleball enthusiast, who passed away suddenly. Forty two players competed in a fun round robin style tournament utilizing all 7 Chincoteague Island courts, with players split between the indoor and outdoor courts. A pot luck cook out was held afterwards enjoyed by players and spectators alike. The group raised $3,500 through donations and a raffle. The proceeds were split evenly between two organizations: Manna Cafe on Chincoteague, which is a nonprofit organization serving free hot lunches the first two Mondays of each month and delivering free hot lunches to homebound people; and Dos Santos, a nonprofit that provides free services to the migrant and farmworker population on Virginia's Eastern Shore including food insecurity, housing, assistance with medical costs, and emergency costs.

The event organizers, Kathy Michaelian, Andy Hiller and Kim Haig, would like to thank the following businesses who donated prizes for the raffle: Tri-Meta Massage, Channel Bass Inn, Black Narrows Brewery, Mallards Restaurant, Team Engage Pickleball, and those individuals who contributed a fabulous basket of cheer, T-shirts, art work, gift certificates and travel mugs. In addition, a special thanks to Patty McMahon for taking photos. Lastly, thanks to all the competitors and everyone that donated for making this such a successful event, and to PlayTime Scheduler for giving us a platform to organize this special event. 

Chincoteague Island Pickleball, a community that cares.