On Saturday, Nov. 8, College Now hosted its first-ever Dinks for Degrees fundraiser at Cleveland Premier Pickleball, transforming a chilly fall afternoon into a warm celebration of community, college access and first-generation success.
The event marked the close of national First Generation College Week, a time dedicated to honoring students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Dinks for Degrees offered a playful yet powerful way to celebrate that journey—through pickleball.
Participants from across the region gathered for an afternoon of doubles matches, laughter and meaningful connections driven by a shared mission. The event also featured a special guest: Trevon Edwards, senior center director at Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and a proud College Now alumnus. Trevon, who recently served as a panelist for Mission Moment #2, attended the event and connected with guests, his journey and reinforcing the long-term impact of College Now’s support. His presence was a powerful reminder of the ripple effect of educational access and mentorship.
Pickleball competition heated up in the final rounds, with players Benjamin Sprenger taking 1st place honors, Ken Dollaske earning 2nd honors and Daniel Tibbitts securing 3rd place. The spirited play and sportsmanship reflected the joy and energy of the day.
Adding to the excitement were raffle prizes from Fount and Blanton’s, which proved to be crowd favorites. These premium giveaways served as an homage to College Now’s Bags & Bourbon roots, blending tradition with fresh energy. The Longest Drive competition was a highlight, with Ken Dollaske smashing a drive of over 300 yards to claim the title and win Cleveland Cavaliers tickets.
The tremendous generosity of our Exclusive Title Sponsor, Huntington, and Exclusive Elite Sponsor, Wellspring Family Office, allowed College Now to focus on what matters most: building relationships, celebrating student success and raising funds to support future scholars. We are so grateful for their commitment, along with that from our community sponsors, Dollar Bank, The Whole Kid and the Urban League of Greater Cleveland Young Professionals.
Dinks for Degrees wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a celebration. It brought together alumni, mentors and supporters, along with College Now board members Katinka Domortoffy, Julie Fertal and Kevin O’Toole in a joyful and engaging way that highlighted the power of community and the importance of being present. It also demonstrated how creative engagement strategies can deepen connections and expand impact.
As the final matches wrapped and paddles were set aside, the message was clear: College Now is building something special. With the success of this inaugural event, the organization is already looking ahead to the next Dinks for Degrees, eager to continue serving up purpose, play and progress.
