Some fancy work in the “kitchen,” along with well placed “dinks”, a bit of friendly competition and a whole lot of community spirit can go a long way.
The inaugural Northumberland Pickleball Classic brought players together at The Dink Den in Cobourg for a sold-out day of rallies, laughs and fundraising with teams, sponsors and supporters stepping up in true pickleball fashion, from court-side competition to creatively named sponsorship levels that added a bit of extra fun to the day.
But behind the paddles and playful energy was a serious goal.
Funds raised through the event will support the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation’s breast health program, helping bring advanced, wire-free breast tissue localization technology to the hospital. The technology is designed to make procedures more comfortable for patients and improve the overall care experience for those undergoing diagnosis and treatment.
Courtney Ker, Events Specialist with Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation, says the response from the community made an immediate impact.
The event featured multiple divisions and a lively atmosphere, supported by a strong group of local sponsors and community partners.
A friendly “grudge-match” competition involving Classic Rock 107.9 radio personalities York Bell Smith and Mark Hansen added to the excitement, helping introduce new players to the sport and draw attention to the fundraiser.
Behind the scenes, organizers say the team at The Dink Den played a crucial role in keeping the event running smoothly.
Most importantly, the event delivered meaningful results for patient care.
With strong community backing and a successful first year, organizers say the Northumberland Pickleball Classic has laid the groundwork for an event that could grow into a major annual fundraiser, proving that when Northumberland shows up, it shows up in a big way.
Be sure to check out the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation website for the list of all the winners.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
