Netting Support for Veterans: Habitat Monmouth Pickleball Tournament Makes a Difference

Monmouth County, NJ – On Saturday, April 29, 2023, Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County (HFHMC) held its highly anticipated 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament at the New Shrewsbury Racquet Club in Tinton Falls. The event brought together pickleball enthusiasts from across the region for an evening of spirited competition and community engagement, resulting in a resounding success that raised $23,000 in support of the Veterans Build/L.I.F.T. home repairs program.

This year’s tournament showcased the growing popularity of pickleball, attracting over 100 players who competed across three skill categories: Advanced (4.0+), Intermediate 3.5-3.9, and Intermediate 3.0-3.4. The energy and camaraderie were palpable as players demonstrated their skills and sportsmanship, all in the name of a noble cause.

Felicia Levine, the tournament’s director, said a special thank you to Dwight Macock for his efforts in promoting the sport of pickleball and for his dedication to the tournament. Dwight was president of the Monmouth Pickleball Club for many years until his death on May 10, 2023, and served as a player, teacher, volunteer, tournament organizer, and friend to hundreds of local players. Monmouth Pickleball Club was one of the Hitting Close to Home Tournament Sponsors.

The tournament’s fundraising total of $23,000 will be dedicated to HFHMC’s Veterans Build/L.I.F.T. home repairs program. In collaboration with Coastal Habitat’s L.I.F.T. (Local Initiative for Troops) Veteran Housing Repairs Program, this initiative focuses on vital home repairs for veterans. These essential projects encompass a range of services, from installing ramps and repairing railings to widening walkways for wheelchair accessibility, along with general repairs and landscape upkeep.

Congratulations to the tournament’s medalists:

Advanced:
– 1st Place: Michael Swell and Lauren Cherny
– 2nd Place: Natasha De Carvalho and Andy Levine
– 3rd Place: Sarah Nazario and Steve Cook

Intermediate 3.5 – 3.9
– 1st Place: Robert Johnsen and Tanya Kenney
– 2nd Place: Carissa Gaborow and Scott Boyle
– 3rd Place: Lisa Weinthal and Pawel Potocki

Intermediate 3.0 – 3.4
– 1st Place: Debbie Alexander and Andrew Oszustowicz
– 2nd Place: Jeff Snyder and Brian Hardy
– 3rd Place: Paul Fellingham and Deborah Spohn

The success of the 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of several individuals and organizations. HFHMC expresses its sincere gratitude to Sue Finley, who skillfully orchestrated the Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle, contributing to the overall fundraising achievement. Additionally, a special thank you is extended to John Vitollo, whose generous donation of time and expertise captured the spirit of the event through captivating photography.

HFHMC would also like to acknowledge and thank the event’s valued sponsors for their support:

View the entire photo album by John Vitollo HERE. Our gratitude to John Vitollo for donating his time and skills to photograph this event!

The success of this year’s event underscores HFHMC’s commitment to making a lasting impact in the lives of veterans and the community. The organization remains dedicated to its mission of building a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.

Learn more about our Veteran Build/L.I.F.T. Home Repairs Program HERE.

MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Howell, Marketing & Event Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County
chowell@habitatmonmouth.org / 732-728-0441 x310 (office)