PCHSF’s ‘Battle of the Paddles’ to benefit portable ultrasound purchase

BY SAMANTHA GOFF

GRANT TRIBUNE-SENTINEL

The Perkins County Health Services Foundation will host its second annual Battle of the Paddles pickleball tournament Sunday, Sept. 20, to raise funds for a portable ultrasound probe that could benefit patients across several hospital departments.

The doubles tournament will begin at 12:30 p.m. and feature beginner and intermediate divisions. Players of all ages and experience levels are welcome, and teams may consist of men, women or mixed partners.

“Even if you’ve never picked up a paddle, everyone is welcome to play,” Foundation Administrator Lindsay Nodlinski said.

The event will begin with a brief meeting covering the rules and tournament format. Teams will then compete in round-robin play, followed by a single-elimination tournament. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams in each division.

The Foundation will also hold a practice night before the tournament for players who would like a refresher on the rules.

Proceeds from this year’s event will support the Perkins County Health Services Radiology Department’s purchase of a portable wireless handheld ultrasound probe. The device connects to an iPad or cellphone and can be used by several departments throughout the hospital.

Potential uses include bladder scans by nursing staff, guided injections in orthopedics, guided nerve blocks of the extremities by anesthesia providers, rapid scans for emergency room patients and ultrasound-guided placement of IVs.

The tournament will include activities for players and spectators. A photo booth will be available throughout the day, Taqueria La Villita will serve food and children can participate in mini games to win prizes.

Silent auction items will also be offered, including Nebraska football and volleyball tickets. Bidding will be available at Adams Bank in Grant and through the Perkins County Health Services Foundation Facebook page beginning Monday, Aug. 17.

Four tickets to the Nebraska football game Sept. 19 will be available. The west-side club tickets are in Section 224, Row 4, Seats 5-8. Bidding on the football tickets will close Sept. 10 because the game will take place before the pickleball tournament.

The auction will also feature four tickets to each of two Nebraska volleyball matches. Tickets for Nebraska’s Sept. 26 match against Ohio State and Oct. 17 match against Purdue are in Section 100, Row 1, Seats 7-10. Bidding on the volleyball tickets will close during the tournament Sept. 20.

Additional silent auction items will be available during the event.

“We’re so appreciative of the support we had last year, as well as the support we have received this year,” Nodlinski said.

Those with questions or an interest in sponsoring the tournament may email pchsfoundation@gmail.com or call Nodlinski at 308-352-7285.