KINGMAN, Ariz. – The Kingman Pickleball Club (KPC) held their annual Friends Giving Tournament in January to raise money for various charities of Mohave County and checks were presented to five organizations Friday, except for one, which was delivered.
Charity Committee Chair Mary Lucero Martinez said the annual Friends Giving Tournament was a three-day event held in January this year on the Centennial Park’s Pickleball court. She said many participated, even Havasu and Bullhead City. Everyone’s generosity and participation raised more than $3,000, Ms. Martinez said. Much of that was divided among five organizations in Mohave County on Friday, July 24 including Kingman 66 Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Club, Mohave County Search and Rescue, Kingman Cancer Care Unit, and Healing Hooves, whose check was delivered to them Tuesday because they could not make it on Friday.
The KPC started in July 2022 when a small group of individuals decided to start an official club so they could be a part of the USA Pickleball Association. To do that, they needed 25 members. Now, they have over 200 and still growing.
The mission of the KPC is to grow the game of pickleball for all ages, levels and abilities. They strive to do that by creating and cultivating an environment that promotes health, social interactions, good sportsmanship and fun.
Lucero said the KPC will continue with their fundraising efforts on a bi-annual basis and local charities can apply on their website at k-pic.org.
