The charitable body “HER Cincinnati” aims to break cycles of addiction, poverty, and human trafficking by strengthening and helping those affected.
An Opportunity To Empower
The upcoming pickleball tournament hosted by Aces Pickleball + Kitchen is more than just a sporting event – it’s an opportunity to empower vulnerable women in the Cincinnati community.
Today’s (Wednesday, August 23rd) event will raise critical funds and awareness for HER Cincinnati, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women break cycles of poverty, addiction, and human trafficking, reported WCPO 9 Cincinnati.
By attracting celebrity players like Bengals team members and the Ben-Gals, as well as enthusiastic amateur competitors, the tournament aims to draw attention to HER Cincinnati’s life-changing work.
“I fell in love with these women who were no different from myself; they could be any of us,” said Jenny Jones, Managing Director of Community Relations, who started with the organization as a volunteer.
“Being able to see them and all the hard work that they’re putting in and watch the dedication to try to make their life better, it spoke to my soul and pulled at my heartstrings.”
Three Major Empowerment Programs
HER Cincinnati, which used to be known as Cincinnati Union Bethel, runs three major empowerment programs for vulnerable women in the area.
The Anna Louise Inn provides safe, affordable housing for single women. The Off the Streets program coordinates resources and temporary housing for women exploited by prostitution and trafficking. And the Cincinnati Scholar House assists single-parent college students with services and housing.
Funds from the tournament will support these ongoing efforts to lift women out of difficult circumstances.
The Perfect Vehicle
Pickleball is the perfect vehicle for this charitable event. The paddle sport has exploded in popularity due to its ease of play and addictive fun.
“It’s such an easy sport to learn; it’s very social,” said Aces Director of Pickleball Operations Adam Painter, a former tennis player drawn to the communal spirit of pickleball.
“People, when they engage with it, they get addicted to it. Once they learn it, they have a lot of fun with it, and then they keep coming back to play.”
Beyond raising $50,000 to further HER Cincinnati’s mission, the tournament also aims to reflect the power of women’s empowerment through sport. Pickleball’s inclusive, lively atmosphere mirrors HER Cincinnati’s approach of embracing women with compassion.
“I always felt that pickleball pulled people together,” remarked Painter.
When the final ball is served at this charitable showcase, the true winners will be the many women lifted by HER Cincinnati’s life-changing work. Through awareness and fundraising, this pickleball tournament empowers the empowerers.
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