Cynthia Schwartz
Pickleball players Sheri Sears and Chris Morlan were sharing stories about the neighborhoods that they lived in before moving to PebbleCreek. They realized that back home they both had experiences in giving a family a Christmas they never expected. Their memories sparked the idea to create Jingle Ball Rock, a FUNRaiser in PebbleCreek. The plan was to raise money to buy gifts for families-in-need and, at the same time, have fun on the PebbleCreek Pickleball Courts. Sheri and Chris recruited a few more pickleball players: Dannie Cortez, Kathy Aalto, Julie Cardinale, and Elaine Colter. The team assigned tasks, including budgeting, data tracking, decorations, food, photos, shopping, organization, and time management.
Elaine Colter was tasked with contacting local churches and finding liaisons who would identify families to receive the FUNRaiser gifts. The churches included Christ Presbyterian, The Refinery, Compass Church, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
Using their shopping expertise, the team visited Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, and other local stores. In addition to purchasing trikes and bikes, scooters, toys, children’s clothing, and books, they bought soft fluffy robes for mothers, along with a can of cookies and $80 grocery gift certificate.
The goal was to raise $2000. Working together, and through the generosity of other PebbleCreek pickleball players, they exceeded their own expectations and brought in almost $4000. The team delivered FUNRaiser gifts and packages to the churches that were distributed to nine families that included 25 children. Every dollar raised went entirely to the families in need.
The team heard that a mother with five children who is fleeing an abusive situation, sobbed over the generosity of the gifts. She said, “This was the only Christmas I had to give my kids and I’m just overwhelmed with this generosity.”
Now for the fun part. On Friday, Dec. 20, the pickleball players who donated money met on the pickleball courts for an afternoon of fun. The fun in FUNRaiser meant creating pickleball teams, assigning team captains, and playing special pickleball games that everyone would enjoy. Players donated refreshments and played on courts filled with holiday music.
Kudos to the organizers of the inaugural Jingle Ball Rock, a FUNRaiser in PebbleCreek.