Courtesy Photo
On December 3, 2022, a fundraiser pickleball tournament for Brandi Bubzyck of Thurmont was held at the Talley Recreation Center in Frederick. Brandi is a two-time, double-lung recipient. In 2016, she attended the Transplant Games of American and took first place in the ping-pong competition. She wanted to return in 2020 to compete, but her lungs failed, and she had her second transplant at that time. She’s now determined to attend the 2024 games to compete in pickleball. The tournament was held to raise funds to be used for travel, food, lodging, and so forth.
The Victory for Brandi Pickleball Tournament was a huge success. Over $2,000 was raised, and the pickleball family showed up with smiles, laughter, and good will. Not only was money raised for Brandi’s trip, but the fundraiser also brought awareness to organ donation through The Living Legacy Foundation. Without it, Brandi would not be with us today.
The first-place winners were: Women’s 2.5—Marcia Geppert and Carin Hawkins; Women’s 3.0—Kathy Moreira and Mindy Davis; Men’s 3.0—John Peterson and David Stroh; Mixed 3.5—Royce Bruce and Tania Danner.
Donations are still being accepted for Brandi Bubzyck’s competition in the 2024 Transplant Games of America. Thank you to the fundraiser’s generous local sponsors: The Ott House, The Farmhouse Exchange, Catoctin Breeze Vineyards, Bollinger’s Restaurant, and Dragon Distillery of Frederick.