The Champion for Children Foundation hosted a pickleball tournament last Saturday at the Thakkar Tennis and Pickleball Center, bringing together dozens of players at the Country Club of Sebring. The event, organized by Sebring High School seniors Rylie Brooker and Sammi Rather, raised $1,500 to support the foundation’s Family Resource Center.
A Growing Tradition of Pickleball for Charity
The tournament, which featured teams of all skill levels, was originally launched last year to help fund the Family Resource Center’s grand opening.
Inspired by the sport’s rising popularity, Brooker and Rather pitched the idea to Liz Prendergast of the Champion for Children Foundation, leading to a successful fundraiser that has now become an annual event.
“So me and Sammi our junior year, decided that we viewed basically Champion for Children as a very notable cause and something that we personally felt we wanted to get involved in and so that was kind of the time of the year when pickleball was really on the rise.” – (Brooker)
Pickleball’s Rising Popularity in Sebring
Brooker, now a senior, sees pickleball’s rapid surge as a perfect opportunity to engage the community, including local teenagers. With Rather’s experience in hosting tennis tournaments and the increasing number of courts in the area, launching a pickleball fundraiser was a natural fit.
“I would say the fact that everyone can play it, … anyone could teach anyone, and it’s something that can just be enjoyed by anybody, because it’s not super complex.” – (Brooker)
While overall turnout in 2025 was slightly lower due to competing tournaments on the same day, the advanced division remained highly competitive. Brooker noted the dedication of top-level players, saying it was exciting to see how much effort they put into reaching their skill level.
More Events on the Horizon
The Champion for Children Foundation will continue its fundraising efforts with:
- AmVet Cornhole Tournament – Saturday, April 12.
- Chen Dental Golf Tournament benefiting Lindsey’s Wish – Friday, May 9.
For more information on the foundation’s upcoming events, visit their official website.
News in Brief: Champion for Children Foundation
The Champion for Children Foundation hosted a pickleball tournament at the Country Club of Sebring, raising $1,500 for its Family Resource Center. Organized by Sebring High School seniors Rylie Brooker and Sammi Rather, the event showcased players of all skill levels. The foundation will host additional fundraisers in April and May.
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