The Pickleball Club hosted a fundraiser offering snacks and treats to raise money for upcoming events and make the sport more accessible to all students on Nov. 25. With pickleball equipment, like a set of paddles and balls costing around $35 on Amazon, the club is taking charge of raising the necessary funds to ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent students from participating in the sport.
“Pickleball equipment is costly, and sometimes we prefer to raise the funds ourselves rather than going through the Student Government Association (SGA),” said Maimouna Diallo, the club’s treasurer.
On Dec. 18, the club will hold a bake sale, offering sweets to students.
“We’ll be making hot cocoa for everyone to enjoy,” noted Jocelyn Rabadi, the club’s vice president.
Arianna Esposito, the club’s president, expressed her excitement for the event, adding, “We’re looking forward to bringing people together for a fun time and supporting the club.”
The bake sale will also help cover the costs of club-related expenses.
“This fundraiser will help us keep things exciting for everyone,” shared Rabadi, the club’s secretary. As a new organization, the Pickleball Club depends on events like this to keep everything running smoothly.
The club meets every Friday, providing students with the opportunity to play, connect, and socialize. The fundraiser is not only about raising money but also about building a stronger community. Layla Rabadi encourages those unfamiliar with pickleball to join in.
“This is a space for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned player or completely new to the sport.” For many students, especially commuters, the Pickleball Club has become a way to meet new people and spend time outside their busy academic lives.
According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), there are an estimated 50 million pickleball players in the United States. That is up nearly 20 percent from tw0 years earlier. While the average age is 34 years old, there are over 100 clubs listed on the USA Pickleball website.
The Dec. 18 event is just one of many fundraisers the club will host this year. The funds raised will help the club provide more opportunities for students to get involved, whether it’s through purchasing additional equipment or organizing more social events.
The Pickleball Club is committed to giving students a space where they can enjoy the sport, make new friends, and create memories. For those interested in participating in future pickleball initiatives, please contact the club’s president at [email protected]
