13th Annual Women's Paddle Rally

FAITH BASCOME
OCTOBER 9, 2009
PHILADELPHIA, PA

On Monday October 19th, 2009 the women of the Philadelphia and main line area will hold our annual fund raising "Paddle Rally". This is our 13th year for this event and we look forward to continued success in the number of players participating and an increase in donations to our worthy cause. Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) is an organization that provides support to women and their families after cancer has been discovered. This rally idea was started by Linda Dutton of Berwyn with aid from her advisory board Faith Bascome of Devon, LeiLa Safford  of Malvern and the late Linda Reese of Malvern. This year there will be a special tribute to Linda Reese who passed away in April 2009. Linda was a survivor of breast cancer for 20 years and was a competitive paddle player. There will be a commemorative tree planted at Martins Dam in her memory.

The rally begins with a light breakfast at Aronimink Country Club's tennis center. Over the years we have invited well known doctors who are specialist in the field of women’s breast cancer. This year we will have Dr Kara Nakisbendi who will discuss nutrition and lifestyle approaches to reducing cancer risk as well as maintaining overall well being. Local merchants have donated gift items which we raffle off, including the paddle pro's in our area giving paddle clinics.

All area paddle courts in the greater Philadelphia area offer their facilities and are involved in the planning of this benefit. With the help of more than 150 women paddle players we have been able to raise $120,000 for LBBC and also have sparked an interest in the game of paddle. Each player gives a fee of $40.00 to play and many support this benefit with larger donations in memory of loved ones, and have the opportunity to dedicate a court for the day in their name with a plaque made by our committee.

Our two generous sponsors are the Meridian Bank, Devon, headed by Chris Annas and Ed Carpoletti, both paddle players from the Picket Post Club in Wayne. Michale Cook owner of Walter Cook Jewelers in Paoli and a paddle player from Waynesborough CC, Paoli.

After the short program, the players are assigned courts according to their level and the play begins The captains of each court keep things moving, so there is little down time and a good workout is enjoyed by all This paddle day has become a tradition which kicks off the paddle season.

For more info: Faith Bascome 610-644-1043