Sun City West Pickleball Extravaganza: The Sun City West Pickleball Club, in partnership with the Sun City West Foundation, hosted its 10th annual Fun in the Sun “All for Charity” Pickleball Tournament and Ball Drop from March 3-5 at the Palm Ridge Recreation Center’s Liberty Courts. The event raised $57,809 to benefit seven local non-profit organizations.
A Decade of Giving Back
Since its inception, the charity event has raised over $341,000 for organizations that serve the Sun City West community. This year’s beneficiaries included The Sun City West Foundation – Helping Hands, Sun City West Posse, PRIDES, The Community Fund of Sun City West, PORA, Valley View Community Food Bank, and AFMA Fire Corps Charities.
“With the success of this year’s tournament and charity event activities, our combined 10-year efforts have raised over $341,000 for Sun City West charitable works,” said Teresa Brown, Pickleball Club charity event leader.
“This event really showcases the spirit of community that our club members have developed, their huge hearts and willing spirits. I’m so proud of all the people involved who helped us raise such an impressive total again this year.” – (Teresa Brown)
“It is truly amazing what can happen when you combine an active Pickleball Club with over 2,000 members, committed local business sponsors, community residents and valuable, nonprofit organizations. The Sun City West Pickleball Club, along with their members and sponsors, are very proud to give back to our wonderful Sun City West community.” – (Teresa Brown)
Exciting Tournament Action and Ball Drop
The tournament began on March 5, with pickleball matches drawing players from across the U.S. and Canada. At 9 a.m., a giant ladder truck from the AFMA Fire Department arrived, dropping 3,000 numbered pickleballs from above. A total of $7,550 in prizes was awarded to 52 winners, including a 65-inch flat-screen television.
Top prizes were sponsored by PRIME Wealth Advisors, which contributed $1,500 and the 65-inch TV, while the Sun City West Foundation provided a $500 prize and PORA awarded $1,000, $500, and $300 prizes.
Community Support and Sponsorships
Two major sponsors played a significant role in the event’s success. Orion Willis, CEO and founder of PRIME Wealth Advisors, pledged $11,500 as the title sponsor. Dr. Santosh Saini and Mike Saini, of Saini Smiles Dentistry, donated $5,000 in matching funds and provided bright orange T-shirts for nearly 150 volunteers. The Sun City West Foundation administered the event, donating hundreds of hours to manage and distribute funds.
Additional sponsors contributed a total of $3,550 in smaller prizes and charity donations. Sponsors included Toni Froese – Home Realty, Western State Bank, Team Peterson – EXP Realty, Wyyerd Fiber, Hole ‘n One Restaurant & BBQ, T-Mobile, Eileen Freydberg – HomeSmart Realty, The Pickleball Space, Green Muscle Solar, To My Surprise Airport Shuttle, Agent Cruz – The Medicare Guy, All About Roofing, Expedia Cruises, Ritual Beauty Skincare, Desert Sun Embroidery, Canyon State A/C, Heating & Plumbing, Haas Medical Supply, Archwell Health Primary Senior Care, Pet Supplies Plus, and Briarwood Country Club.
A Celebration of Community Spirit
Nearly 2,000 people attended, including spectators, volunteers, sponsors, and pickleball players. The event featured a silent auction, a 50/50 drawing, and food trucks, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The results of the tournament and ball drop were announced at the Sun City West Pickleball Club’s March 19 membership meeting, where members, sponsors, players, and volunteers were thanked for their contributions.
“Our club and its members share some common goals: have fun, respect each other and make a difference in our community. This event is a great example of how this club excels in exceeding the goals they’ve set!” – (Brown)
News in Brief: Sun City West Pickleball Extravaganza
The Sun City West Pickleball Club’s Fun in the Sun Tournament and Ball Drop raised $57,809 for charity from March 3-5. The event, celebrating its 10th year, has raised over $341,000 to support local non-profits. More than 2,000 people attended, with sponsors and volunteers playing key roles in its success.
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