Lobs for Literacy 2025

Welcome to Lobs for Literacy 2025 - a tennis and pickleball event to raise money for Room to Read. Live music, tennis, pickleball, food/drinks and social event.

Dear Friends,

We are holding our twelfth Lobs for Literacy charity tennis/pickleball event at Eastern Hills Tennis Club (second year for this venue). This event supports Room to Read (an award-winning international organization dedicated to helping children in developing countries gain the lifelong gift of education.) Since 2013, Lobs for Literacy has raised almost $55,000 to help 180+ disadvantaged children around the world with continuing their education. We wouldn't be able to do it without your support, so please help us to continue this legacy.

Lobs for Literacy is an evening of tennis, pickleball, and fun, with all proceeds going towards this education & literacy charity!

We are proud to bring together people from various clubs throughout the Greater Cincinnati area for this event. Players of all levels are welcome!

Activities include:

• Mixed Doubles tennis (min. two rounds/person) and unlimited pickleball
• Returning by popular request: Trillium Band
• Food and beverages
• Raffle (bring some cash to participate)
• Time to socialize with friends and meet new people

Event details

• Date & Time: Saturday, February 1, 2025.
• Doors open at 6pm
• Welcome/event kick-off at 6:20pm.
• Tennis/pickleball starts at 6:30 pm.
• Host Location: Eastern Hills Tennis Club - second year at this location!!!
• Cost for players: $37
• Cost for non-players: $17

Registration

Space is limited and this event will sell out! Please register now by clicking the "Get tickets" button on the top right-hand corner.

Our goal is to raise $5000 for Room to Read's Girls Education Program.

$50 can support a child in learning to read and write for a year.

$300 can help a girl stay in school for a year.

$1,000 can provide a librarian and instruction materials for a classroom.

For more information:

https://www.roomtoread.org/literacy-girls-education/girls-education/

Raffle Tickets are available for great prizes! Contact one of the organizers or email [email protected] or [email protected] to purchase.

One ticket for $5 and 3 tickets for $10. Raffle prizes in the past have included vacation package, tickets to the Cincinnati Open, tennis/pickleball lessons, massages, etc. See raffle catalog or one of the organizers to get more information. This is constantly being updated

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What's the tennis format? How much tennis can I play?

The tennis format is a round robin, and there will be four rounds. Partners will be assigned by a pro, who is helping us with the scheduling. Everyone is guaranteed 2 rounds of tennis; each round is 45 minutes. There will be 2 groups: A and B. Each group will be playing on alternate rounds: A, B, A, B. There have been times when some players do not show up, get sick, only want to play one round, leave early, etc. In situations like this, there has been an opportunity to play more than two rounds. Please notify us when you arrive and register if you would like to be considered for any additional rounds. Players of all levels are welcome, and we'll match players by skill. Please be sure that you enter your GCITA playing level in your personal information.

2. Can I request a playing partner?

You can request a partner, and we will share that interest with the pro who is assigning partners. Please keep in mind that this is a social tennis event, so partners cannot be guaranteed. We will do our best to accommodate your request.

3. What is the pickleball format?

We'll have at least 4 pickleball courts, sorted by levels for pickleball. Due to the quick pace of pickleball, there will be no court assignment. Players will rotate out as the game is finished.

4. Can I sign up for both tennis and pickleball?

Due to the need to schedule and coordinate play, we ask that you choose to play pickleball or tennis for the evening. If you are not playing one and there is an opening in the other, feel free to join/play. For example, if you are scheduled for round A of tennis and it is round B, you are welcome to play pickleball if there is an opening. Please allow those who sign up to play before "subs" jump in.

5. I want to bring a non-player friend, girlfriend/boyfriend or spouse, but what can a non-player do?

This is a social event, and there is a high chance that you’ll meet new people and make friends. Additionally, we will have live tennis/pickleball to watch (views of all courts), the big flat-screen TV, live music, raffles, food, and adult beverages. Please remember that you also will have time to hang out with them during your non-playing rounds.

6. Can I bring children?

Unfortunately, the event is geared toward adults only. The way the event is set up and Eastern Hills is structured, only the tennis area is available to us. So there isn't a place for kids to play, and we do not have anyone available for watching kids.

7. I am unable to attend the event but would like to support this worthy cause. How can I make a personal donation?

- write a check to "Room to Read" and give it to one of the organizers (Karla Kinne, Ann Baer, Beth Mendenhall, Karen Evans, Rita Sprenkle, Dennis Menke and Donna Turner)

-write a check and send it to Karla Kinne (Event Organizer) at 2337 MacArthur Lane, Newport, KY 41071

- donate through your charitable giving account (Room to Read Tax ID: 91-2003533) and notify one of the organizers, so it can be counted toward this fundraiser goal

- donate through this event website, click on the link, go to the "TICKETS" button and select "Personal Donation"

8. My company is interested in being a sponsor of the event. Who can I talk to?

We welcome donations of any size and form. Please contact Karla Kinne ([email protected]).

9. I am unable to attend the event, but interested in the raffle prize. Can I purchase raffle tickets outside the event?

Definitely! You do not have to be present to win. You can buy raffle tickets from one of the organizers prior to the event. We'll write your name and the item of your interest, then enter them for you. You'll be contacted if you win.

10. What will happen in the case of inclement weather?

Please understand that this event is scheduled for a winter month and we will do our best to hold the event. In case of inclement weather, we’ll make the call by 2 pm on the day of the event and you will be notified by email and phone call. Normally, as long as the road is clear, the event is on.

11. Can you provide more information on the awesome band that plays during your event?

Trillium, formerly the 'Like Minds Trio' has been supporting the Lobs for Literacy event since year one. The trio ( Jeff Keller on electric bass, Kermit Kinne on drums, and Barry Sebastian on guitar) delivers pleasant and relaxing music; a combination of jazz, blues, and fusion. We received great feedback from previous year attendees. To learn more, check out https://soundcloud.com/Trilliumjazz

Host or Publisher Karla, Ann, Beth, Karen, Rita, Dennis & Donna