Serving a Great Cause

paddlewomen

Cupid Courts Misericordia brings together paddle players to rally for a cause

By HM Staff

One Friday every February, the paddle community of the western suburbs put aside their competitive nature and enjoy a day of fun paddle tennis play for a good cause. For the past 12 years, a group of women passionate about the game of paddle tennis and lead by Gretchen McCarty and Katy Lee, have hosted Cupid Courts Misericordia, a day of friendly paddle play to raise money for Misericordia Home. This event has grown in popularity and raises over $75,000 a year. Participants include almost 150 women from Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, LaGrange, Western Springs, Oak Brook and Burr Ridge. Paddle tennis pros from the area donate lessons, equipment and time to this event each year along with over 50 business and families who sponsor and donate raffle items.

Patti Cella, Katie Hartigan, Sarah Estep, Emily Collins, Colleen Murphy, Colleen Quinn at the 2021 event

Misericordia’s rich history of care is a credit to the kindness of thousands of generous supporters. Founded in 1921, Misericordia currently supports over 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities from diverse racial, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. This most vulnerable population lives in an environment of respect and beauty where they are challenged to be their best, thanks to the loving care of Misericordia staff and volunteers. This year, organizers are anticipating over 150 women will support and participate in this all-lever paddle tennis mixer on Friday, February 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Lunch will be served following play and raffle prizes. A men’s evening event began in 2021 and will be expanded this year to three local area clubs. Visit cupidscourt2023.givesmart.com for more information.

Author

OB_MAR-2025-Cover

POWER IN UNITY: Oak Brook resident Kaarina Lebrun helps bring the community together

EH-MAR_2025-Cover

CHAPTERS OF SUCCESS: Local author Shelby Saville

Realsy-COVER-PHOTO-Realsy-202449of78

TASTE OF TRIUMPH: Sophia Karbowski, Co-Founder of realsy

David-Ellis-Cover-DSC_4989_FINAL-EDIT

PLOTTING SUCCESS: Homegrown author David Ellis

Moose roam free in Alaska and can occasionally be seen in populated areas. A male moose can be 7' tall and weigh up to half a ton.

The Last Frontier: An unforgettable summer adventure awaits

VINCAS3

Vincas Buzelis is serious on the court and serious about joining his brother in the NBA

Say-Yes-to-the-Dress-PHOTO-2-Maddie-Jen-and-Leighton-Chillo-backstage-e1741311495938

Once-worn formalwear gets a second chance through a nonprofit prom boutique run by Hinsdale’s Jen Chillo

YC2-Photo-1-CMF-1124

Students give back through local nonprofit’s high school program

Harp-PHoto-1-IMG_9249-e1741310405836

Harp-Struck: D181’s Harp Program flourishes at local schools

51st Stagg Bowl - 
NCC Football vs. Mt. Union

Skokna waits his turn to help lead North Central College to national football title

woman in hat on the terrace Kentucky Derby promotion - made with

Hinsdale Auxiliary’s 70th annual Derby Day fundraiser supports Brightpoint

Chryslerettes-Team-Photo-Photo-2b

A League of Our Own: The Downers Grove Chryslerettes