Grace C. Lopez, founder of Women for Paws, has helped pet owners for the last 15 years through her charity. Now, the part-time Key Largo resident is spreading the word about her upcoming “Pickleball for Paws” charity tournament.
She says the money raised will go directly to pet owners in need. This support includes help with unexpected vet bills, pet food purchases or temporary boarding if a pet owner becomes ill or injured.
“We’re not a rescue, we’re not a shelter; we give direct assistance to pet owners,” Lopez said.
“This is our very first tournament, and we decided to host it in Key Largo, where we help the most pet owners,” added Lopez.
Lopez hopes to raise between $6,000 and $7,000 during the tournament on Saturday, April 25 at Key Largo Community Park.
Lopez founded Women for Paws after volunteering with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation two decades ago. During that time, she saw cancer patients having to give up their pets because they couldn’t care for them during treatment or afford to keep them. She decided to help.
Now, Women for Paws works with local nonprofits like MarrVelous Pet Rescues and the Upper Keys Humane Society to support local pets and their owners.
“One thing I want to make very clear: a lot of people think Women for Paws is an organization that only helps women. It is not. It helps all pet owners,” explained Lopez.
On a recent visit to the Upper Keys Humane Society to donate cat food, Lopez spotted a miniature aussiedoodle puppy rescued from a breeder in Homestead. She felt she had to adopt her and named her Pickles.
“She adopted me,” recalled Lopez. “It dawned on me she would be our mascot and go with me everywhere,” she added.
Matthew Peil, a pickleball instructor and owner of Florida Keys Pickleball, is helping Lopez organize the upcoming charity tournament. With pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity, the sport provides a wonderful opportunity to raise money for good causes.
“It’s a great way to get people aware of the cause in the community and to get businesses and sponsorships involved,” said Peil.
Peil expects 50 to 80 participants in the “Pickleball for Paws” tournament, with a few hundred others coming to watch.
There is still time to register for the “Pickleball for Paws” tournament, and the entrance fee is $75. All skill levels are welcome. More information is at womenforpaws.org. You can also check out the pickleball courts at Key Largo Community Park behind Walgreens and scan the QR code on the flyers at the courts.
