Brookfield Pickleball Tournament Aims: This September, Krueger Park in Brookfield will be the venue for a meaningful event that combines sport and charity. The “Pickleball for Palestine” tournament, set for Sunday, Sept. 22, will bring together pickleball enthusiasts to raise funds for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing medical aid to children in Gaza.
A minimum donation of $25 secures participants a tournament T-shirt and a spot to compete against others at their skill level. Every dollar raised through entry fees, along with 10% of sales from the local restaurant Señor Gordito’s, will be donated to PCRF. Mazin Hamdan, co-owner of Chubby’s Cheesesteaks and Señor Gordito’s, is leading the organization of the event alongside friends Mohamed Lubbad and Randy Soudah.
Supporting PCRF Through Pickleball
Participants can choose between two playing sessions: 9 a.m. to noon or 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. As of August 27, both time slots still had openings for intermediate and advanced players. The tournament will take place on the newly opened pickleball courts at Krueger Park, located at 100 N. Columbia Blvd.
The decision to support PCRF stems from the organization’s longstanding commitment to the well-being of Palestinian children. In a statement, the event organizers explained their choice to center the event around pickleball, emphasizing the sport’s ability to foster community and inclusivity.
“By centering the event around pickleball, we’re creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere where people can connect over a shared love of the sport while supporting a meaningful cause,” the organizers said.
PCRF’s Mission and the Local Connection
For over 30 years, PCRF has been providing free medical care to children in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The organization is currently focused on evacuating children from Gaza to receive critical medical treatment abroad, including in the United States.
The Palestinian community in Wisconsin, though small—comprising about 0.04% of the state’s population according to 2022 U.S. Census data—has felt the impact of recent conflicts deeply. Many residents have lost family members or are concerned about the safety of their loved ones in the region.
Since the escalation of violence on October 7, the Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that at least 40,435 Palestinians have been killed, with 93,534 injured. Israeli authorities report over 1,200 Israelis killed and approximately 5,430 injured. The Milwaukee area has seen protests and calls for a ceasefire, alongside efforts to educate the public about Palestinian history and culture and to raise funds for humanitarian aid.
How to Get Involved
While spots in the pickleball tournament are filling up quickly, organizers encourage everyone to participate, either by playing, spectating, or making a donation. “Anyone can come watch the tournament on Sept. 22 or make a donation so PCRF can continue their life-saving work,” Hamdan said.
News in Brief: Brookfield Pickleball Tournament Aims
A pickleball tournament at Brookfield’s Krueger Park on September 22 will raise funds for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), supporting medical aid for children in Gaza. Organized by local business owners and community members, the event aims to combine the popular sport of pickleball with a meaningful cause. Entry fees and a portion of sales from a local restaurant will be donated to PCRF, which has provided critical medical care to Palestinian children for over 30 years. The tournament offers an opportunity for players and spectators alike to contribute to the ongoing humanitarian efforts.
