10/22/2024
The Little Rock Athletic Club recently combined a love for pickleball with a fantastic cause. As part of their Hits ‘N Giggles pickleball fundraiser, they brought together local pickleball enthusiasts to raise money to clear school lunch debts. The event, held in October, had a fun twist, with players encouraged to dress up in costumes, making the tournament not only a competitive showdown but also a lighthearted community event. Prizes were awarded for the best duos, most creative costumes, and, of course, standout pickleball performances (AllEvents.in – The Athletic Clubs).
The tournament was part of a broader effort by Unite to Fight Poverty, a local nonprofit, to tackle the increasing school lunch debt crisis. In recent years, school lunch debt has become a pressing issue in many districts, and this fundraiser aimed to wipe out these debts while giving participants a chance to engage in the rapidly growing sport of pickleball. With a great turnout, the event was a success, proving once again that pickleball can serve up more than just fun—it can make a real difference in the community.
The Pickleball Take
Pickleball and philanthropy—a match made in heaven! This fundraiser showed that a good cause can bring out the best in the community while serving up some competitive fun. My take? If we can clear school lunch debts with a few dinks and volleys, I say it’s time to put on those paddles and get to work!
Inside Pickleball Joke: “With costume competitions and pickleball on the agenda, I hope nobody showed up dressed as a kitchen utensil—because, as we all know, no one’s allowed in the kitchen during play!”
