By Khevin Barnes
Finding the “fun” in fundraising
The game of Pickleball, a hybrid of tennis, badminton and ping-pong has been touted as “The fastest growing sport in America”. Evidence of that claim can be seen in and around Vail with many communities adding new playing courts to accommodate the sport. In October of this year players from around the area are invited to compete for three days to help raise public awareness of two obscure but serious diseases: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Lewy Body Dementia.
The event will take place on October 15-17 at the Kino South Sports Complex in Tucson. Local Vail resident Tom Warfield, an avid Pickleball player, is organizing the charity event, along with his son Kevin.
“Picklin’ for a Cure” is an awareness and fund raising tournament for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a disorder that affects Tom’s wife Karen, causing chronic pain. Lewy Body Dementia is the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s. Toms brother, Dr. T.K. Warfield has been diagnosed with the disease.
“Picklin’ for a Cure” is a round-robin type of tournament with age brackets being determined by the number of players who participate. Women’s, Men’s and Mixed doubles events are scheduled with all skill levels being accommodated. You can find out more or register for the tournament at Pickleballtournaments.com or make a donation at https://bit.ly/picklinforacure.
Khevin Barnes and his wife Gaga, celebrating 17 years together, live in the Del Webb community in Vail. Although retired from magic, he continues to donate shows for “Kids with Cancer Camps” wherever he can.
