Wikipedia/Pickleball Players
VENTNOR Funky Pickle Productions and Atlantic Medical Imaging will host its first Funky Pickle Ventnor Classic 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Ventnor recreation complex on Suffolk Avenue near the boardwalk.
The event takes place on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy and raises funds and awareness for the All Clear Foundation, which provides resources and mental health services for emergency responders and their families.
Alexander Greer and Maggie Corrado of Funky Pickle Productions said they launched the event, which includes a tournament, live entertainment, vendor marketplace and food offerings, to bring the passionate, growing pickleball community together for a day of fun and friendly competition and goodwill.
Pickleball saved my life last year during COVID, Greer said. It filled the void of social interaction and inability to produce experiences for people.
Greer said he fell in love with pickleball, which is intergenerational and inclusive.
Everyone is welcome, no matter your age, size, shape or experience, he said. Players are ready to support each other and help each other grow in the game. But there's also a certain levity and silliness to pickleball. It's social, not serious.
The inaugural event features two, mixed-doubles brackets with players from South Jersey and the Philadelphia region, AMI Foundation's Dr. Jan Astin Mobile Mammography van screenings, craft pickle juice cocktails, a Stretch Zone station, and the opportunity to challenge Top 10 pickleball pro Frank Anthony Davis. Attendees will also have the chance for an exclusive raffle and participate in other fundraising initiatives that benefit the All Clear Foundation.
In addition to the tournament, which currently has a waiting list for participation, event goers will enjoy offerings from a variety of local merchants, live music by the Philly brass band, Snacktime, cuisine from area restaurants, and the Ducktown Tavern's Beach Bar.
The mammography screenings are available by appointment by calling 609-677-9729.
For more information about participating, or being a vendor or sponsor, visit funkypickleproductions.com.
