June 8, 2023
Becky Helm
The REAL Backstory of Pepper Pong
Much More Than Just A Game
Pepper Pong formally launched for pre-order in June 2023. Just prior to that, our Founder, Tom Filippini, disclosed to friends & family the authentic purpose behind his spicy new game.
Below is an original copy of Tom's email explaining the "backstory"...spoiler alert...it's much more impactful than just a game. Enjoy!
May 28, 2023 (via email)
Hiya Friends & Fam,
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MY BELATED RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT (FROM BEER PONG)
As you may know, I love anything to do with āPONG.ā So much, in fact, that in ā21 I got busted by the City of Denver for ā in the dark of night ā converting a busy traffic island into a neighborhood ping pong oasis many still call āPONG ISLANDā (RIP).
But as it relates to my love for ābeer pong,ā I last took aim at the ol' red Solo cups in August 2016.
Why would I remember that, you wonder? Because in September 2016 I was blessed with the gift of sobriety ā a gift of greater importance than even my beautiful family or my life itself because, without it, the other two would today be in shambles.
This may come as a surprise, as I never may have seemed to have a problem and Iād been reticent to proactively share my story because of the stigma of alcoholism & addiction and the guilt & shame I felt for so long.
I mistakenly thought I was protecting myself, my family, and our shared reputationā¦ until we collectively had the epiphany that my muted approach was doing selfish injustice to those still struggling and to the many societal challenges fueled by addiction.
Today, having overcome my lifeās most formidable obstacle, I feel a great sense of accomplishment, but far more acutely, immeasurable gratitude for those whose love, support & guidance made my recovery possible.
By sharing my story, Iām filled with hope that others might reach the bright light at the end of the hopelessly dark, spiraling tunnel I knew too well, for too long.
This may come as a surprise, as I never may have seemed to have a problem and Iād been reticent to proactively share my story because of the stigma of alcoholism & addiction and the guilt & shame I felt for so long.
I mistakenly thought I was protecting myself, my family, and our shared reputationā¦ until we collectively had the epiphany that my muted approach was doing selfish injustice to those still struggling and to the many societal challenges fueled by addiction.
Today, having overcome my lifeās most formidable obstacle, I feel a great sense of accomplishment, but far more acutely, immeasurable gratitude for those whose love, support & guidance made my recovery possible.
By sharing my story, Iām filled with hope that others might reach the bright light at the end of the hopelessly dark, spiraling tunnel I knew too well, for too long.
I am one of the fortunate few for whom that light has illuminated a life I couldāve never dreamed possible, thanks to sobrietyās enablement of what I now call the 3Cās -- clarity, connection, and courage.
- Mental CLARITY of my lifeās purpose, what makes me ātick.ā
- Deeper CONNECTION to faith & the inspiring people in my life.
- Undaunted COURAGE to chase seemingly dangerous or unattainable dreams.
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MY CRAZY DREAMS LIST
The 3Cās have put a major dent in my lifeās to-dos, like becoming a pilot, taking up kitesurfing w/ my girls, prioritizing authentic relationships, and building businesses around my passi
But one squirrely box always seemed to remain uncheckedā¦
But one squirrely box always seemed to remain uncheckedā¦
ā INVENT THE WORLDāS GREATEST TABLETOP RACKET SPORTā¦
For as long as I can remember Iāve dreamed of creating a novel pong-esque concoction that handicaps play so all ages & abilities can compete on a level playing field. One that converts any table, of any shape or size into a bustling center court. A take-everywhere boredom eradication kit, as universal as a deck of cards.
Once I gained clarity that I wanted to make this product (juryās still out!), I trusted that the right connections would appear in my life and, finally in early 2020, I mustered the courage to put some elbow grease and dough against the kick-ass game we now call PEPPER...you guessed itā¦PONG. Pepper Pong (@playpepperpong).
After 3+ years, 100+ design iterations, 20+ factory prototypes, and a full-on global pandemic, we've tinkered our way to what field testers have called "The GOAT of Games," "pong-ish, but 100x better," "Nerf pong on steroids," and my personal fav "mini f%#king pickleball in my ACTUAL KITCHEN!"
Once I gained clarity that I wanted to make this product (juryās still out!), I trusted that the right connections would appear in my life and, finally in early 2020, I mustered the courage to put some elbow grease and dough against the kick-ass game we now call PEPPER...you guessed itā¦PONG. Pepper Pong (@playpepperpong).
After 3+ years, 100+ design iterations, 20+ factory prototypes, and a full-on global pandemic, we've tinkered our way to what field testers have called "The GOAT of Games," "pong-ish, but 100x better," "Nerf pong on steroids," and my personal fav "mini f%#king pickleball in my ACTUAL KITCHEN!"
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THE REAL REASON I MADE IT
Pepper Pong is the raw definition of a āpassion projectā (no, this isn't my real job!) with a purpose that's much more about slaying boredom & addiction than Benjamin'$.
So, even more than the game itself, Iām elated to unveil RALLY FOR RECOVERY, a program through which every purchased set contributes to a 2nd set that we donate to recovery facilities and addiction-focused homeless centers.
My vision is that THE GAME OF PEPPER PONG will provide a light-hearted diversion in the heat of the recovery battle, while THE STORY OF OUR SOBRIETY-INDUCED CREATION may provide inspiration to fight like hell out of the deep, dark tunnel.
So, even more than the game itself, Iām elated to unveil RALLY FOR RECOVERY, a program through which every purchased set contributes to a 2nd set that we donate to recovery facilities and addiction-focused homeless centers.
My vision is that THE GAME OF PEPPER PONG will provide a light-hearted diversion in the heat of the recovery battle, while THE STORY OF OUR SOBRIETY-INDUCED CREATION may provide inspiration to fight like hell out of the deep, dark tunnel.
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MY GIFT TO YOU ā A FREE āFOUNDERS EDITIONā SET
Our limited first run is a one-time Founders Edition version of Pepper Pong, inscribed āOG Editionā with some spicy extras. Theyāll sell out fast. Go to our website, click PRE-ORDER, use discount (aka review-stalking :-) CODE [] If youād like more sets for gifts/giveaways or know someone with whom our game or story might resonate, use/share CODE [] to get āem for $49 bucks, 55% OFF retail. (til JUNE 4th)
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THAT'S A WRAP
Iām truly humbled if you made it this far and, while I DID imply I like you, I look forward to a spicy Pepper Pong battle against you soon. But more importantly, I hope youāll be my ādubsā partner in our match against the REAL opponents - alcoholism & addiction.
Live spicy my friends,
Tom
Live spicy my friends,
Tom