RUD’S DOUBLE DOWN MAKES HISTORY… OVER $710,000 RAISED

The Double Down remains a testament to the collective effort and dedication of our exceptional team captains and players, whose leadership and enthusiasm continue to drive the success of this annual fundraiser. This year, we were fortunate to have both seasoned veterans and fresh faces at the helm of our teams. Among our returning captains were Derek Aguirre and Linda Forte heading All Aboard, Brian Salkowski and Jeff Stafeil guiding Dropshots, Viveka Mishra and David Zack directing Eastside Angels, Emma Head and Rosemary O’Connor leading Queens of the Court, and Paul Flanagan and Mike Petix steering Winagain. In addition, previous teams LOBsters and Banking Boasters merged to create the dynamite force of the Outer Banks, led by Max Franklin, Brad Steel, Lisa VanOverbeke, and Dave Walker. We also welcomed some new faces to the captaincy including Tom Post and Michael Craig of Post-Haste.

In an effort to take the Double Down to the next level, we integrated not one, but two pickleball tournaments held at Court4 and UWM Sport Complex. 120 teams from the “east side” and “west side” came together to learn more about RUD and raise money for Team Pickle, in support of the Double Down. The winners and finalists from both tournaments competed at the Double Down for all the bragging rights.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated team captains, team members, sponsors, and donors whose unwavering support has once again propelled the Double Down to new heights. This year, our collective efforts resulted in over $710,000 raised with Outer Banks emerging victorious as both the fundraising champions and squash competition winners.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Walters Family Foundation for generously providing a major challenge grant, which significantly bolstered our fundraising efforts and helped us achieve this remarkable success.