Grace Hassard, center, with her parents Bart and Jerilyn Hassard at the second Pickleball Palooza, Oct. 3 at Plummer Park.
The Lynne F. Solon Foundation held its second Pickleball Palooza at Plummer Family Park on Oct. 3.
The event, a day of family fun, was held for the benefit of adults with Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes and families with children who have Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes or other disabilities. The event provided an opportunity for the participants to learn the game of pickleball, as well as enjoy various games.
“To see families with kids dealing with all sorts of health problems join us at Plummer Family Park on a perfect October day, and having so much fun playing pickleball and many other games, was a heartwarming experience for everyone involved,” said Bob Biarkis, foundation board member and chairman of the event. “This was the second annual event sponsored by the Lynne F. Solon Foundation at Plummer Park which attracted 37 participants of all ages.”
“Grace had a great time learning how to play pickleball with a group of people who were so encouraging and accepting of her capabilities,” said Jerilyn Hssard, Grace’s mother. “She felt very special as a guest at your event and we are thankful that you are hosting events such as these to give individuals with disabilities a safe environment to learn new activities.”
The event was hosted by volunteers from the One More Game pickleball group, Edwardsville High School Key Club, community members and Lynne F. Solon Foundation board members.
Local businesses that supported the event with food and give-a-way items were Prairie Farms, Bank of Madison County, Busey Bank, Cassens and Sons, Ellsworth Insurance Agency, GCS Credit Union, First Community Credit Union and Walmart.