• WINTERVILLE—After years of creative spring fundraising events, the Pitt Community College Foundation is introducing a new way to support student scholarships and educational programs: a community pickleball tournament.
For the first time, the organization will host “Paddles for Promise” on April 25 at the Greenville Pickleball Club, located at 1750 Wimbledon Drive. The tournament will feature three levels of competitive play—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—with start times determined by the number of registered participants.
In addition to the on-court competition, attendees can enjoy food trucks outside the facility and take part in a silent auction featuring a variety of items available for bidding.
“We will have a silent auction happening throughout the day of the tournament, and food trucks will be at the Greenville Pickleball Club as well,” said PCC Special Events Coordinator Jennifer Hemink. “Even if you don’t play pickleball, it will still be a fun event to come out, watch the matches, and bid on silent auction items.”
Hemink said there are several ways PCC supporters can get involved:
- Sponsorship opportunities: Three sponsorship levels are available—Event Sponsorship ($5,000), Court Sponsorship ($1,000), and Corporate Team Challenge ($500). A limited t-shirt sponsorship opportunity is also available.
- Register to play: Tournament registration is $50 per person.
- Encourage participation: Supporters are encouraged to invite friends, family, and colleagues to register and compete.
- Donate silent auction items: The Foundation is seeking items such as jewelry, vacation stays, and gift certificates to restaurants, retail stores, and service-oriented businesses. The silent auction will be hosted through Handbid, allowing participants to bid online without being present at the tournament.
- Volunteer: Volunteers are needed to assist with the silent auction table and support various aspects of the event throughout the day.
For more information about “Paddles for Promise,” sponsorship opportunities, tournament registration, or ways to get involved, contact Hemink at jkhemink453@my.pittcc.edu or (252) 493-7496.