(by Steve Hopkins)

On Saturday, June 27, the Rhode Island Table Tennis Association ran the second annual Mission Boots to Briefcases veteran ping pong fundraiser.  This year’s event pitted recognizable teams representing local politicians, policeman, fire department, high schools, and local businesses.

The event was held in Warwick, Rhode Island, and the opening match was between Warwick’s Mayor Picozzi and Cranston’s Mayor Hopkins with Picozzi winning the “Battle of the Mayors”.  Attendees included the candidate currently leading in the polls for Governor, the candidate currently leading in the polls for Lieutenant Governor, a number of Representatives and Senators from the Rhode Island Legislature, two Mayors, half a dozen City Council Members, and School Committee members.  The Boston Bruins sent signed items to benefit the auction and the Providence Bruins sent their mascot (“Samboni”).

Rhode Island Table Tennis members put the event together.  This involved moving 7 tables from our club location in Manville, Rhode Island to the tournament venue in Warwick.  Our team moved the tables and barriers, Butterfly provided the balls, and some of our team acted as referees during the tournament.

In the tournament, the Hendricken High School team was undefeated – maneuvering their way through the round robin and then winning the Semifinal and Final.  Second place went to local Warwick squad “Rally for the Cause”.  Third place was shared by “We Blind Thrice” led by Warwick Mayor Picozzi, and “Paddle Patriots” held by State Senators Peter Appollonio and Mark McKenney, and Warwick City Councilman Muto.

A great day for a great event – all for a great cause.

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