Ziad Batal, commissioner of the Entertainment Pickleball League (EPL), has transformed an upcoming pickleball event into a fundraiser for families affected by wildfires in Los Angeles. The “Paddle with a Purpose” event, held on January 25, 2025, at a rescheduled EPL tournament, raised money for families who lost their homes in the devastating fires.
From Personal Loss to Community Support
Batal’s connection to the cause is deeply rooted in his loss. After evacuating his Pacific Palisades home, Batal learned through a news broadcast that his residence had been destroyed.
“I went to my in-laws’ house [after evacuating] and I’m drinking a cup of coffee at 6 a.m. in the morning and watching the news without even a thought of where I live is gone. I basically saw it on the news where the reporter said, ‘I’m on Sunset and Marquez,’ and the camera pans and I see my whole complex in flames.” – (Ziad Batal)
Despite the shocking loss, Batal chose to channel his grief into a positive force for others, aiming to support those in similar situations.
“I thought we needed to do something special. ‘Let’s turn it into a fundraiser. Let’s turn it into something to give back to the community. Let’s do our part.’ And that’s what we did.” – (Ziad Batal)
The fundraiser shifted focus from a regular EPL tournament to a community-driven event to benefit those devastated by the wildfires.
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The EPL and Community Impact
The Entertainment Pickleball League consists of streamers, production companies, broadcasters, social media platforms, and celebrities who gather to enjoy pickleball, network, and showcase their skills.
Batal, a key figure in the league, sent an email to participants encouraging them to join the event not for competition, but to play alongside affected families and raise funds for wildfire relief.
“I sent out an email to everybody on the different EPL teams saying, ‘Hey, I’m going to shift focus. It’s not going to be a tournament. I want everybody to come out and I want you guys to play with the families that are affected because there are thousands of people that have been evacuated.’ We needed to shift focus.” – (Ziad Batal)
Batal, who is currently staying in Woodland Hills due to FEMA’s relocation efforts, hopes to return to Pacific Palisades someday and continue supporting his community. He describes it as a “special” place and is determined to help rebuild the area.
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Long-Term Support and Future Plans
The EPL’s support extends beyond the fundraiser. They have partnered with EIF’s Defy:Disaster program, which provides both immediate and long-term aid to first responders and wildfire-affected communities in Los Angeles.
Batal’s vision is clear: “I want to help rebuild the Palisades. It’s where my heart is.” With his determination and the community’s support, the effort to help those affected by the wildfires is just beginning.
“I want to help my community. I want to help rebuild the Palisades. It’s so special to everyone. It really, really is a special community. It was my retirement. It was where I was going to spend the rest of my life. I couldn’t see myself living anywhere else. I want to do everything I can to help people get back in there and rebuild.” – (Ziad Batal)
News in Brief: Entertainment Pickleball League
Ziad Batal, commissioner of the Entertainment Pickleball League, hosted the “Paddle with a Purpose” fundraiser on January 25, 2025, to support families affected by Los Angeles wildfires. The pickleball event raised funds for those who lost homes and was a community-driven effort to aid recovery in Pacific Palisades.