Vol 2 Issue 5: new partnerships in Alex bay

For 25 years, the Alexandria Bay Chapter of the Foundation for Community Betterment has proudly created a ripple effect of kindness throughout our community by supporting local individuals, families, organizations, and meaningful causes in times of need.
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This summer, in a full-circle moment that beautifully reflects the power of community partnership, Betterment itself will become a recipient. The Thousand Islands Pickleball Group, an independent association passionate about growing the sport of pickleball throughout the 1000 Islands region, has selected the Alexandria Bay Chapter of the Foundation for Community Betterment as the beneficiary of proceeds from this year’s Thousand Islands Challenge Pickleball Tournament. Tournament proceeds are expected to generate a donation of more than $2,500 to support Betterment’s mission of giving back to the community.

The TI Pickleball Group’s logo is a great combination of the river community and a favorite sport

8 refurbished pickleball courts await play at the TI Club on Wellesley Island

This partnership is a great representation of local organizations uniting to support one another and strengthen the river community.“This means so much to our chapter,” shared Erica Garlock, Betterment Board Member. “For a quarter century, our community has come together through Betterment to support individuals, families, and meaningful causes throughout Alexandria Bay. To now have another local group choose to support our mission in return is incredibly humbling and inspiring. It’s a beautiful reminder of what makes this community so special — people coming together, enjoying the outdoors, supporting one another, and strengthening the Ripple Effect along the way.”

This year’s  pickleball tournament will be held on July 9th - 11th, which is the same weekend as the Betterment events. The tournament takes place at the TI Club on Wellesley Island on 8 beautiful outdoor courts. For those interested in signing up, the registration fee is $40. There will be women’s, men’s and mixed doubles divisions, with skill levels between 2.5 and 4.5. More details and registration information can be found at tinyurl.com/ThousandIslandsChallenge. Community members are encouraged to participate, cheer players on, and support this special partnership between two organizations committed to bringing people together through recreation, generosity, and community spirit.

As a special part of this partnership, tournament participants will be invited to attend Community Betterment Weekend’s Welcome Party at Bonnie Castle Resort from 6:00–8:00 PM on the evening of Friday, July 10th, joining volunteers, sponsors, donors, supporters, and community members as the weekend officially begins. As a reminder, the Betterment weekend events are as follows: Tennis and golf on Friday, July 10th at the Alex Bay Municipal Golf and Tennis Courts, followed by the welcome party at Bonnie Castle. The Paddle will take place on the morning of Saturday, July 11th  at Scenic View Park, followed by breakfast and the recipient ceremony. More information about those events can be found at communitybetterment.org/alexandriabay. 
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Whether you paddle, golf, play tennis, volunteer, donate, purchase raffle tickets — or now, play PICKLEBALL — every act of participation helps strengthen the spirit of kindness and community connection that has defined Betterment for the past 25 years. Many thanks to the organizers of the Thousand Islands Challenge Pickleball Tournament for choosing Betterment as the benefactor. Your generosity and kindness are appreciated, and the ripple effect continues to work its magic in this beautiful river community.