The winner of the Battle of the Paddles, Eric Duncanson, (left) poses with runner-up Nick Angelich, (right). The tournament, held at the SPIN Standard in downtown Los Angeles, raised $86,000 for Hillsides.

The inaugural “Battle of the Paddles” ping pong tournament held on October 16, 2014 raised more than $86,000 for the Pasadena-headquartered charity Hillsides. The tournament itself made $43,000 and those funds were matched through a recent bequest to Hillsides from the Pierose estate upon the death of long-time Hillsides supporter Dorothy Pierose. The money will be put toward Hillsides $12 million capital campaign to improve Hillsides aging Pasadena campus.

One hundred and fifty spectators and players filled the SPIN Standard ping pong club and bar in downtown Los Angeles during the hotly contested competition. Local businesses and individuals paid to sponsor one or more teams to compete in the tournament, resulting in 90 competitors who faced off against each other in singles. By the end of the evening, however, only one winner could emerge. Eric Duncanson, representing Cushman & Wakefield, took first place. The runner-up was Nick Angelich, representing CommonWealth Partners. The CommonWealth Partners team won the team competition award based on overall play, and took home the coveted “Costa Cup,” named after Hillsides Chief Executive Officer Joseph M. Costa.

“We couldn’t be happier with the results of our first ping pong tournament fundraiser,” said Costa. “The money will support our capital campaign improvements that include a new and much-needed Student Center on our Pasadena campus. I want to thank the many sponsors for supporting these improvements that will include an Expressive Arts wing, gym, and an expanded recreation area.”

Sixty-two children live on the Pasadena campus in Hillsides residential program. The campus provides a safe and stable environment for children who cannot live at home, have suffered trauma, or have emotional and/or behavioral challenges. The campus also houses an Education Center for children with special needs.

Sponsors of the event were Aon, Allsteel, Avison Young, Brookfield, Capital Group, Caruso Affiliated, City Constructors, Inc., City National Bank, CommonWealth Partners, Cushman & Wakefield, High Lantern, Hotchkiss & Wiley, Howard Building Corporation, Kennerly, Lamishaw & Rossi LLP, Mason and Associates, Mata Construction, Edward J. Mehren III – Northwestern Mutual, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, Pacific Federal, Paragon Parking, Pasadena Realty Advisors, Paul Kim, Rising Realty Partners, SM Ingredients, Inc., Tangram Interiors, Westfall Commercial Furniture, Inc., and Wolcott Architecture.

Hillsides is a premier provider dedicated to improving the overall well-being and functioning of vulnerable children, youth, and their families throughout Los Angeles County.

To learn more about Hillsides capital campaign, please visit http://www.hillsides.org/capital-campaign. For more information about Hillsides, please visit www.hillsides.org.