Plantation Residents Are Always Causing a Racquet!

from Our City Plantation: October 2021

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INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS

Plantation Residents Are Always Causing a Racquet! By Beverly Perkins

Plantation resident and State of Florida Director of Pickleball Andy Rubenstein is at it again as he organizes another pickleball tournament to benefit those in the military. However, he doesn’t do it alone, his wife Cinthya is right by his side to round up those with a love of the game and a philanthropic spirit.

In the past few months, the couple has raised tens of thousands of dollars for various military foundations. The next tournament will be held November 5th – 7th at Plantation Central Park. For the second time, they will be raising funds for The Wounded Warrior Project Foundation. The ambitious couple’s goal is to empower these warriors by participating, donating, and giving a voice to those on their journey to recovery.

“I choose military charities because I served in the military and like to give back,” exclaimed Andy Rubenstein. “However, none of this could be done without the partnership with the city leaders, volunteers, and sponsors.”

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) was founded in 2003 and serves veterans and service members who have suffered a physical, mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military from Sept. 11, 2001, or after. The mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors with a vision to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.

According to Wounded Warrior Project Community Fundraising Resource Development Coordinator Julian Willis, more than 52,000 servicemen and women were injured in recent military conflicts, another 500,000 are living with “invisible wounds,” from depression to post-traumatic stress disorder, and 320,000 have experienced debilitating brain trauma.

The 3-day event will include both Singles, Mixed Open, Mixed Doubles, and Doubles Skill for both men and women. Players from all over the state are invited to participate. Food trucks and vendors will also be on-site.

“I just started playing about 6 years ago and trained in Plantation since day one. I travel the APP and PPA circuit and when I am back, I practice at Central Park. We have 12 courts and I’m looking to bring even higher-level tournaments there while raising the much-needed funds,” added Andy Rubenstein.

Andy Rubenstein

▸Anyone interested in learning the game can reach Andy at 954-439-2900. He offers private and group lessons.