Ping Pong for Hope

By: Sara Feld
By playing something he loved and helping others, Garrett Greller created The Ping Pong for Hope club, started in the beginning of last year, raises money for alzheimer research by playing ping pong, because ping pong has been shown to be therapeutic for alzheimer patients.
The Ping Pong for Hope club plays with special needs students every monday at lunch for therapy and fun. About twenty members show up to help out each week in the small gym.
“I started this club to try and help others and because I have a passion for ping pong.” President Garrett Greller said.
Ping Pong for Hope club started out as the Ping Pong club until the founders wanted to make something more out of it. They decided that they could mix ping pong and helping others in need by advancing to Ping Pong for Hope club.
“The Ping Pong for Hope club began as a club for students to come in at lunch and play ping pong, and recently it has changed to ‘Ping Pong for Hope’ so it could solely be on helping friendship circle.” Vice President Teddy Freedman said.
Changing the direction of the club recently has made some members excited for the clubs future as it makes these advancements in trying to perfect the club. The new improvements will now help friendship circle and make the club more successful.
“This year should be very exciting! The board of ping pong club is thrilled about starting with a new passion this year. I think that will translate well to club members and the success of the club.” Member Kayla Medrano said.
The therapy of ping pong for the students is only one of the ways it is helpful for them. This club is constantly looking for ways to make their whole experience more valuable.
“It is great to play ping pong with them and making their monday lunches better. What i like most about the club is that we work with special needs kid and really make an effort to try and get them involved in a fun club where they can learn a new sport.” Member Kayla Medrano said.
Not only does the club brighten the special needs students day, but it also brightens the members as well. From being therapeutic, to advancing their game of ping pong for the special needs students,this club has positive effects towards members too.
“As members we have the opportunity to teach them how to play. Along with being therapeutic for the special needs students, this club is very fun and stress relieving for members.” Member Kit Murphy said.
People join this club for a variety of different reasons, in this case, Kit Murphy was looking for something that would help others and be fun at the same time. When he found Ping Pong for Hope club he was more than willing to join.
“I joined this club because I love the sport in itself and I love helping others while sharing fun and unity through ping pong.” Member Kit Murphy said.
Initially, many people didn’t know much about Ping Pong for Hope other than it is playing ping pong. For some members who joined, ping pong wasn’t their favorite hobby, but they found a way to enjoy it and find that it is a good fit for them as well. In addition, the community service aspect of it makes them feel like they are helping the community.
“I joined this club because I wanted to hang out with friends at lunch and be making new ones at the same time! This club had the perfect combination of both.” Member Kayla Medrano said.
For most, the advancement of Ping Pong club to Ping Pong for Hope made more people want to join.
“I think people should join this club because you can do something good for others, while having a great time.”