An impressive $40,000 was netted at the fundraising event, held at The Tennis Club at Newport Beach Country Club, in support of KidWorks’ College Success Initiative™ that funds activities for our College Apps Academy, Campus Crash and mentorship program – all designed to support first generation, low-income students on their journey towards college success.

The first tournament was held last October and was so well-received that our Women’s Committee moved forward with the Spring event. The second tournament sold out in 24 hours and more players participated than in the first event. Another pickleball tournament is planned for the Fall.

“We are so grateful to the organizers, sponsors and players who made the pickleball tournament such fun—and such a success,” says Lisa Gels, our Associate Director of Development. “The KidWorks’ Women’s Committee brings together caring individuals to ‘fund raise and friend raise.’ We are excited about the group’s tremendous and growing potential to support KidWorks and those we serve.”

Pickleball is an ideal fundraiser due to its growing popularity and since game is played in a socially distant manner that aligns with COVID-19 precautions.

As in the first event, a special moment followed tournament play. Yosely Ocampo, a senior at Mater Dei High School and who is enrolled in our youth and academic programs, updated the group on her KidWorks story.

“It was amazing so many women come together to support KidWorks,” shared Yosely. “They were all so encouraging and it was fun to watch them play.”

Tournament committee members were co-chairs Heather Gaughan and Corinne Morgenstern.  Committee members were Vivian Browne, Kim Carpenter Leslie Casserly, Betsy Flint, Lori Junkins, Leslie Montgomery, Sharon Roy, Jill Schriber, and Kyle Team (also a KidWorks board member). 

Tournament winner is Susan Vigil. 

Event Sponsors Include

Queen of The Court
Heather Gaughn
Sandy Wirta

Court Sponsor
Oltmans Construction;

Amazing Aces
Anonymous
Helen Fedalan
Suzy Metcalfe
Leslie Seidner
Kyle Team

Darling Dinkers
Empty Nesters Unite
Lori Junkins
Schriber Family Fund
Kathy Stuart

Lunch Sponsor
Newport Beach Country Club

Lovely Lobbers
Holly Anderson
Anonymous

Anonymous
 B. Candy
Beach Hardwood Floors
Kim Carpenter
Pam Conner
Flint Family
Beth Hallett
Cate Hanley
Emily C. Mandrup
Mel Murray
Shelly Read
Claudette Shaw
Zotovich Wines.

“At the core of our College Success Initiative is a commitment to education because we know it leads to higher income, improved health and a better future,” said KidWorks’ Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director David Benavides. “We are developing life-ready learners who are leaders.”

For the past seven years, 100 percent of KidWorks high school students have graduated on time and 100 percent have gone onto higher education.

The committee thanks all the amazing sponsors and players who came to support KidWorks students on the path towards college success. 

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