In Partnership with DC Fray, Union Market District Hosts Epic Ping Pong Tournament to Benefit the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project Washington, DC, February 4, 2022—Bring your concentration, hand-eye coordination, lucky paddles and entourage as you progress through the brackets in hopes of taking home 1st-place at Union Market District’s first-ever Table Tennis Showdown. Grab your partner and go! Three days after World Table Tennis Day (April 6), Union Market District invites future ping pong champions from the DMV and beyond to put their skills and reflexes to the test in this one-day event to benefit the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project. Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to purchase tickets as a two-person team. Ping pong tables will be accessible on Neal Place the week leading up to the event for practice sessions and free-form play. “We love being part of a ‘playful event’ that not only promotes community and meaningful engagement, but also raises awareness and funds for families experiencing homelessness in our city, who are often out-of-sight, out-of-mind,” said Playtime’s Executive Director and Co-Founder, Jamila Larson. “More and more, people are seeking opportunities for discovery and play in their everyday lives,” said Jodie McLean, CEO, EDENS. “Win or lose, our first-ever ping pong tournament is about having fun, making memories and giving people an opportunity to connect in a playful manner around a shared sense of purpose. The fundamental elements of play add depth and dimension to every social interaction, which is why the mission of The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project is critical to enriching the lives of young people in our community.” Event details: Market Madness: Table Tennis Showdown Located at Neal Place, Union Market District, 5th Street NE Saturday, April 9, 2:00-6:00 pm Music and additional activations throughout the day For more information and to register, use this link. About the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project: The mission of the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project (Playtime) is to cultivate resilience in children experiencing family homelessness by providing and expanding access to transformative play experiences. We do this by creating ongoing play opportunities that nurture healthy child development; challenging systemic injustice by advocating for policies and practices that reduce the risk of chronic homelessness; and connecting families with critical support services and supplies in the community to meet their concrete needs. Over 19 years, approximately 8,000 children have experienced more stress relief, joy, teamwork, and skill-building through play because of Playtime. In 2022, our goals are to serve 350 children and expand to at least two new sites, including more community-based, non-shelter sites and sites in Prince George’s County. About Union Market District: Pioneering vision is the driving force behind Union Market District, an historically relevant neighborhood of sights, sounds and tastes that continues to thrive today. Expanding beyond its origins as a food market to include shopping, dining, arts, entertainment and community events year-round, Union Market District is a discovery destination—a place for creative enterprise and authentic experiences. More than 35 independent merchants and purveyors of food and drink operate within Union Market proper, alongside a unique mix of small businesses, nationally recognized retail brands and highly rated restaurants located throughout the District. La Cosecha, a contemporary Latin American marketplace and culinary embassy located in the District, is designed for community and conversation—carried by a philanthropic mission to foster business education throughout Latin America. An open-air rooftop bar and green space with stunning 360-degree city views distinguishes Union Market District as a destination like no other. About EDENS: EDENS is a retail real estate owner, operator and developer of a nationally leading portfolio of 110 places. Our purpose is to enrich community through human engagement. We know that when people come together, they feel a part of something bigger than themselves and prosperity follows— economically, socially, culturally and soulfully. EDENS has offices in key markets including Washington, D.C., Boston, Dallas, Columbia, Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, Houston and Denver.