20th Annual Paddle Rally in Philly

November 7, 2016
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrating the 20th Annual Paddle Rally in Philly
Almost $250,000 raised over two decades.

Michelle Parisi wrote in the pre-event press release: “Area women play paddle and raise awareness and funds for Living Beyond Breast Cancer; $225,000 raised to date.” What she couldn’t have known was that this year, the opening event of the Philadelphia women’s season would raise a record-breaking $22,000 to add to that total.
Linda Dutton, one of the founding chairs, said, “It’s such a great day. We support LBBC, which is a national non-profit educational and support organization serving women and families affected by breast cancer. We start with a social breakfast at Aronimink Country Club and then we have a speaker. Laura Martin, a survivor and longtime paddle player, puts on a wonderful presentation. The event helps raise awareness, especially about prevention, but also helps bring it all back in to focus.”
On the warm, 80-degree day, over 200 players hit the courts, grouped by their cup level, using 12 locations and 37 courts. The format is short round robins, with everyone switching partners, and the pros, who donate their time, either jumping in, or offering tips to the players.
Sponsored by Meridian Bank and Coco Blu Boutique, all participants receive a down vest and are eligible for raffle gifts generously donated by area businesses. The event chairs—Linda Dutton, Leila Safford, Joyce Susanin, and Elizabeth Unger (with Faith Bascomb and Linda Reese, both who have passed away)—have organized the event since the beginning along with a large group of committee members, who represent the clubs and work on all the details a big event like this requires.
Linda Dutton added, “What I like about the Paddle Rally is it is not too big, not too corporate. Every single donation goes to the Living Beyond Breast Cancer organization. And it’s super fun.”

A video of the day:https://animoto.com/play/jx4YwivK93KVyhK0fteXrA