How can I participate in the United Way of Champaign County Battle of the Paddle?
For the first time, the annual “Battle of the Paddle” charity event is open to everyone on Tuesday.
All you have to do is visit the United Way of Champaign County website, pay the $52 registration fee, and sign up.
“This year we are opening registration to the public, which is pretty fun to encourage additional players to celebrate our successes at the lower grade level,” said Anne Skuse, director of strategic partnerships.
The registration fee includes 15 minutes of free play for a pairs team or a spot in the competitive division for a singles player. Competitive players should be prepared: The winner of the division will face Brad Dancer, the men’s tennis coach at the University of Illinois.
The funds go to the local branch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides books to children.
Battle of the Paddle was never very exclusive, but was aimed more at UWCC’s business partners as part of their workplace fundraising campaign rather than at the general public.
Speaking of exclusive, $130 gets you a seat in the VIP lounge on the mezzanine level of the City Center overlooking the gaming area, plus a few drink vouchers for the private bar up there.
“Of course everyone is a VIP as we all support our community, but this is a way we can really celebrate those VIPs at this event,” Skuse said.
With that $130, you can purchase books for a child from birth to age five at no cost to the family.
The idea of offering VIP seating in table tennis might sound a little silly, but Skuse sums it up: “It’s an Olympic sport, you know. We’re on the way up.”
