Battle of the Paddles Ping Pong Tournament Raises More than $35,500 for Hillsides

The second annual Battle of the Paddles ping pong tournament held at the SPiN Standard in downtown Los Angeles on October 1, 2015 raised more than $35,500 for Hillsides, a child welfare nonprofit serving children in foster care and families in crisis. The money will be used toward Hillsides $12 million capital campaign, creating lasting change, to enhance Hillsides aging Pasadena campus.

Local businesses and individuals paid to sponsor one or more teams to compete in the tournament, resulting in 75 players who faced off against each other in singles. Emerging as the winner was David Shlomi of Rising Realty Partners. The four-member team from Rising Realty Partners also won the team championship and took home the coveted Costa Cup, named for Joseph M. Costa, Hillsides chief executive officer.

“We appreciate all the companies and individuals who played on behalf of Hillsides,” said Costa. “The money raised will go toward improvements that will have a direct impact on the lives of the children, such as a new student center that includes an expressive arts wing, gym, and expanded recreation area.”

Sixty-two children live on the Pasadena campus in Hillsides residential program. The campus provides a safe and stable environment for children who cannot live at home, have suffered trauma, or have emotional and/or behavioral challenges. The campus also houses an Education Center for children with special needs. The residential treatment center and school are two of Hillsides four core programs that also include a program for youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood and Family Resource Centers for families in crisis.

Emceeing the tournament was professional ping pong player and entertainer, Adam Bobrow.

Presenting sponsors of the event were Brookfield, Capital Group, and CommonWealth Partners. Other sponsors of the event were Avison Young; Aon; Brian and Steve Botsford; Caruso Affiliated; CBRE; Erica and Derek Phillips; High Lantern Group; Joe Costa; John Hancock Real Estate; Kennerly, Lamishaw & Rossi LLP; Newmark Grubb; Pacific Federal; Premier Healthcare Services; Rising Realty Partners; Tangram; and Wolcott Architecture Interiors.

Hillsides, headquartered in Pasadena, serves more than 6,200 children and families throughout Los Angeles County, including locations in Echo Park, Baldwin Park, and Pomona. For more information on Hillsides, please visit www.hillsides.org.