CCACC Charity Pickleball Tournament - Spreads Love and Strength

panasianclinic
4 days ago
3 min read

The Third Annual CCACC Charity Pickleball Tournament was successfully held at the CCACC Sports (Quince Orchard Swim and Tennis Club) in Gaithersburg. The event was not only filled with competitive excitement and laughter, but it also raised generous donations to support the CCACC Health Center’s PROMISE Program, a summer initiative aimed at improving the lives of children with special needs in our community.

Fundraising for the PROMISE Program

This event was co-organized by the CCACC Health Center and the CCACC Sports, and coordinated by former CCACC board member Mr. Charles Chen and current board member Mr. Terry Hsiao. The tournament took place on Saturday, April 19, starting with a morning practice session.

Before the competition began, Kate Lu, Director of the CCACC Health Center, gave a brief speech introducing the center and the PROMISE Program. She expressed sincere gratitude to all the participants and supporters, noting that their contributions empower the center to create an inclusive and encouraging environment where children with developmental challenges can build social connections, pursue personal growth, and gain essential life skills.

A Spirited Competition

The tournament featured 21 teams. Players battled fiercely on the court while spectators cheered enthusiastically. The finals took place at 2:00 PM, and within half an hour, the winners were determined:

Champions: Yeong Liou and Mike Li
Runners-up: Merry and ZhenYa Li
Third Place: Charles and Xuemei

About the PROMISE Program

PROMISE Camp [Promoting Meaningful Interaction and Social Engagement] is a six-week summer program designed to create a positive and inclusive environment for children with developmental disabilities. With four hours a week, parents and caregiver will get much needed respite. Our camp helps children build social connections, develop personal growth, and gain valuable life skills. We believe in making a lasting impact on the lives of these incredible children and their families.

For many families, it provides not only a valuable experience for their children but also a moment of respite and peace of mind. The program depends on the collective effort of the community to ensure every child can shine and every family feels seen and supported.

Deep Appreciation for Support

We extended heartfelt thanks to many supporters including：

Steve Chen, President of the Chien Chung Alumni Association (CCAA), and Coach Tsao for organizing matches and team arrangements
Stephanie Shei and Johnny Shih from M&T Bank, who volunteered as scorekeepers
Roger Xu, current CCACC board member, for photography

Special Thanks to Sponsor George C. Cabalu

One of the event’s sponsors, Mr. George C. Cabalu, has supported the PROMISE Program for three consecutive years.

George joined Wells Fargo Advisors as a Managing Director - Investments in 2013. His 34 years of experience in the investments and wealth management industry have ranged from handling the day to day operations to developing and managing financial strategies.

George believes in a truly holistic and client centric approach. He believes his ability to provide customized solutions that address his clients' assets and liabilities allows him to act as their personal Chief Financial Officer.

George is a graduate of George Mason University with a B.A. Economics. He is married and the father of three, all of whom he is extremely proud. His family spends a lot of time in the Annapolis, MD area where his son, Ben, attends the U.S. Naval Academy. His son, Andrew, is a graduate of UVA and is in the Peace Corp in Costa Rica. George and his wife Sarah are also a constant fixture on the sidelines watching their daughter Clara play field hockey, lacrosse and soccer. He previously served on the boards of George Mason University Foundation and Virginia Hospital Center Foundation. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, golf, tennis, pickleball, and gardening.

A Community United by Purpose

To all the volunteers and participants of this charity pickleball tournament, CCACC extends its deepest gratitude. With shared vision and collective effort, we look forward to continuing to build a compassionate and supportive community for all.