Pickleball Tournament by Smith County: Launches 2024-25 Fundraising Drive

Pickleball Tournament by Smith County: The United Way of Smith County launched its annual fundraising drive for the 2024-25 season on Friday evening at the Tyler Athletic and Swim Club, aiming to raise $2 million to support local initiatives and programs, including pickleball tournaments that strengthen community well-being.

“The kickoff is one of the most important things about United Way,” said Devon Smith, development director at United Way of Smith County. “It’s when we set our goal for how much we’re going to fundraise to support the nonprofits that we partner with in the community.”

The goal reflects a slight adjustment from last year’s target of $2.2 million, after the organization raised $1.7 million. This change acknowledges the tight financial conditions many people faced, which impacted their ability to contribute.

“Businesses go through cycles just like everybody else, and sometimes they have to modify their giving because their environment might change,” said John Gaston, CEO of United Way of Smith County. “So, I don’t fault anyone for having to cut back. You just have to accept that’s part of business, and we just hope for the future.”

Every year, the generosity of donors to the United Way affects the lives of 1 in 4 people in Smith County by supporting local nonprofit services. Contributions are raised through various annual events, corporate pledge drives, and other fundraising efforts. Importantly, 100% of the funds donated stay within the community to assist neighbors in need.

“I think we’ll have a rebound … a lot of businesses are in a better place,” Gaston said. “Plus, I’ve added a person to my staff, which gives me extra manpower — or womanpower in this case — to help with the fundraising efforts.”

Since 1940, United Way of Smith County has collaborated with area nonprofits, businesses, and individuals to address and tackle critical community issues.

“A lot of nonprofits hit years when they don’t quite hit their stride,” Smith said. “It’s just what happens, but we’re trying new things … because I think there’s such a giving spirit in this community and all we have to do is make connections and engage people. It’s a little easier said than done, but I think we can absolutely get there. It’s good to try new things and meet new people.”

One of the exciting innovations introduced at this year’s kickoff event was a pickleball tournament, which took place at the club. This new addition aimed to engage the community in a fun and competitive way while supporting the organization’s mission.

“Pickleball is all the rage and very popular,” Gaston said. “One of the board members thought we’d try to make it extra fun and do something different.”

Two-person teams competed at the tournament, featuring ‘competitive’ and ‘social’ brackets.

“All the people … paid their entry fee and it’s going to a good cause … the money will go to a lot of good things in the community,” said Tyler resident Heath Parker. “It’s good to give back.”

Parker had been playing pickleball for about a year after he stepped away from playing tennis.

“I was a tennis player growing up, and I felt like I was getting too old for tennis, so I came to pickleball for a lot less running,” he said.

Sponsors for this inaugural event include Hibbs-Hallmark & Company Insurance, Oncor, Peltier Chevrolet, and R Land Advisors.

“We’ve had an incredible turnout, new faces in our fold, and I’m so appreciative of our sponsors for this event,” Smith said. “I’m really excited for everyone to be so engaged in this.”

The campaign cycle will conclude on March 31, 2025.

“I’ve come to know Tyler as one of the most generous and welcoming communities, and I’m so grateful that I live here and that my family lives here,” Smith said. “I know that if you ask for help, you will receive it in Tyler. So, I think if we can all work together, goals like this can be met and surpassed.”