Wild Dunes Pickleball Association’s first charity pickleball tournament netted $40,000 for pediatric cancer research at the Medical University of South Carolina.
“I was overwhelmed with gratitude for our extremely generous community,” said WDPA President Jen Stephens, who works and plays regularly at the Wild Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center. She noted that the final tally exceeded expectations. “So many people gave monetary donations, as well as items for the silent auction and raffle, and it was a huge success! Not only that, but everyone who played in the tournament was part of the fundraising.”
Held on Nov. 16, the Paddles Up to End Childhood Cancer tournament featured three divisions of men’s and women’s doubles, playing across Wild Dunes Resort’s six pickleball courts. Fifty-two participants took part in competitive play, and an additional 23 players joined the “Just for Fun” round robin later in the afternoon.
The day ended with a catered players party and silent auction that brought everyone together. “We raised money for critical research while enjoying a fun day of competitive pickleball,” said Josh Smith, director of pickleball for Wild Dunes Resort. “It’s a proud first for our program as we help lead the development of the sport in the Charleston area.”
The WDPA board expressed thanks to all the sponsors, businesses and individuals who contributed auction items, including Jeff’s Bagel Run, which provided breakfast for all players and spectators. Top sponsors and donors included: The Day Dinkers, Wild Pickle Chicks, Taverna Philosophia, Slotchiver & Slotchiver, Carroll Investors, Carroll Realty, Gwynn’s, Network Security Services, DeepWater Church and Dunes Properties.
By Susan Hill Smith
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