Despite the rain and unsafe court conditions on Saturday, September 27, nothing could dampen our spirits as we moved The Big Serve to the blue-skyed, sunny, Sunday, September 28 at the Darden Towe Park courts.

The players, volunteers, and families had a fun-filled day of play, competition, and community while creating awareness for and raising funds in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge’s mission and work. From Matches just learning the sport and those refining their skills to teams playing in the Social and Competitive groupings, there were so many highlights that we can’t recount them all, however, we hope you enjoy some snapshots from the day.

As we know from our day-to-day work at BBBSCBR, it takes a village and we had an amazing village that helped make The Big Serve a success.

• Many thanks to the players who patiently awaited weather updates and worked with us as were grouped for Sunday. Your understanding made a difficult decision not only manageable, but you brought the energy, enthusiasm, and fun on Sunday further demonstrating the depth and connectedness of our community.

• Thank you to our volunteers who dried courts, set up – and then took down – canopies, tables, chairs, and signage, and managed the food. You helped keep the event running smoothly.

• We deeply appreciate the investments of Morris & Wells Wealth Management, Martin Horn, Red Light Management, ALN Policy & Law, ACAC, Greenwood Homes, York Property, LLC, Atlantic Union Bank, Crutchfield, Lauren Morris, State Farm, Shelter Associates Ltd., and Tommy Brannock, Realtor as sponsors. Shout out to the Martin Horn and Red Light teams for representing out there on the courts!

• Thank you to our community partner, Central Virginia Pickleball Club, for helping us with the tournament and hosting clinics for our Matches. A special thanks goes out to Cathy Konoza and Maureen Novotne for helping run the show and Steve Vegodsky and Wayan Wirahadisaputra for stepping in when players needed partners.

• Thanks, too, to the Friends of The Big Serve for providing food, prizes, and more – Bodo’s Bagels, Botanical, Engage Pickleball, FlyDog Yoga, Gearbox, The Market by Tiger Fuel, The Paramount Theater, Wegmans, and Wintergreen Resort.

• To the players, families, and friends who made donations to BBBSCR through The Big Serve, we appreciate your generous support.

• At BBBSCBR, we are fortunate to have dedicated volunteer leadership and planning for The Big Serve is no exception. Thank you to Alex Bryant, Nick Cordova, Marc Paulo Guzman, Cathy Konoza, Beth Morris, Angela Navarro, Maureen Novotne, Chrissie Schreck, Paul Summers, and Jered Wendte for crafting a great event.

It is through the support of so many that BBBSCBR is able to serve local youth in one-to-one mentoring relationships that support them as they achieve their greatest potential. Thank you for being part of the BBBSCBR community!