A MUST READ FROM THE FOUNDER OF THE TOURNAMENT -

My name is CeCe Hunter and I lost my precious son, Aaron Gifford on Jan. 8th, 2018. Aaron served in the 3rd Infantry with the US Army and was in the first invasion to Iraq. Aaron came back from war with PTSD that progressively got worse and on Jan 8th it claimed his life.

My husband, Ken and I introduced Pickleball to Aaron and his twin sister, Kiley. Aaron grew to love playing PB and playing in tournaments throughout the state of New Mexico where he won many medals. PB became a passion for Aaron and he built a wonderful community and made many friends. We enjoyed playing as a family and felt like Aaron had found an outlet for his PTSD.

A committee has been formed by myself, his sister Kiley, and several of his PB friends to honor not only Aaron’s sacrifice but also other veterans who have served our country and returned from war with PTSD. We have established a non-profit 501 3

(c), The Aaron Gifford Pickleball Benefit to raise funds to support our veterans suffering from PTSD.

The Aaron Gifford Pickleball Benefit Tournament has raised over $40,000 of which was donated to Mesilla Valley Community of Hope Veteran’s Housing Program & Mission 22, a national organization which brings awareness that today over 20 veterans will be lost to suicide. According to the mission22.com website, “Each day in America, 22 vets commit suicide. That’s two starting football squads a day. A commercial airliner every three weeks. A 9/11 every four-and-a-half months.

In the next 14 years, an estimated 112,000 military men and women will die by suicide. Which means that, in some twisted way, coming home from war is more dangerous than leaving. Mission 22 has three major programs. Funding veterans to receive treatment for Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury and other issues they may be facing

This year’s tournament proceeds will go to support the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope Veterans Housing Program here in Las Cruces and Mission 22.

We would greatly appreciate your support by helping us spread the news about this important benefit. We are also accepting any donations as well as items for raffles.

Please feel free to contact me at 575-640-8725, email: cecehunter@gmail.com

With warm regards,

CeCe Hunter

SPECIAL EVENT ADDED -

Saturday April 1, 2023 after the mixed matches have ALL concluded there will be first ever MLP format exhibition played!

Register your 4 player team (2 females & 2 males). All skills & all ages. You must have a NAME for your team. The registration fee is $200 per team which MUST be paid at the time of registration. There will be a 2 team (8 players) minimum & 4 team (16 players) maximum. The winning team (4 players) will receive $200.

The format will be exactly the same as the MLP. First Women's doubles will be played. Second will be men's doubles. Third will be the first of 2 mixed matches. All games will be played to 21 win by 2 rally scoring. IF there is a tie after the 4 matches (2 & 2), a "DREAMBREAKER" will be played consisting of SINGLES only with each player from each team playing 4 points, & rotating in & out after 4 points have been scored until the winning team has won by 2 at 21 or higher.

For registration and questions please contact MLP referee Laura Smart @ lauralsmart@comcast.net.

This special tournament is a fundraiser for Veterans with PTSD.

USSP - FREE IN 2023 - EACH REGISTERED PLAYER THAT PLAYS THIS TOURNAMENT WILL RECEIVE A FREE USSP MEMBERSHIP. ONLY NEW MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE. CURRENT AND PAST MEMBERS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROMOTION.

OUTDOOR TOURNAMENT ON 16 HARD COURTS

No Membership in any association is required for registration.

This tournament is US Senior Pickleball approved.

To join USSP, go to USSeniorPickleball.com, only $20 per year. Multi-year payment discounts available.

USSP members will receive a $10 discount off the registration fee and are eligible for points and prizes. Go to the USSP website listed above for more information on the points system.

Registration fee is $65. Registration Fee includes all events.

Brackets/Events will be round robin with pool play for events with 8 or more teams, single elimination brackets to follow. Players are guaranteed 3 matches per event. More play for your money.