Pickleball Fundraiser for Community Health: A first-time pickleball tournament held on March 23 at Pickled in Batavia, Illinois, raised more than $2,000 for Tri-City Health Partnership (TCHP), a non-profit that offers free medical and dental care to underserved residents in central Kane County. The event drew 32 participants and was co-hosted by local realtor Mary Bruno and other community sponsors.
A Fun and Healthy Way to Give Back
Mary Bruno, a realtor with Keller Williams Inspire Realty, helped organize the tournament alongside Phil Bukowski of The Bukowski Team, Tony Houlahan of Houlahan Insurance Group, and Stephanie Bivin of Inspire Wellness Counseling and Coaching. All proceeds went directly to Tri-City Health Partnership.
“I was introduced to (Tri-City Health Partnership) through Phil Bukowski, one of their board members. He invited me to an event in the fall so I knew of their mission. And I’m a realtor in downtown Geneva so I work closely with Phil (Bukowski) and Tony (Houlahan). So we planned it together. We’re always doing events, and I’m in Mill Creek in Geneva and my husband and I have this newfound addiction to pickleball.” – (Bruno)
Bruno said the group wanted to host a unique, adult-focused event that would still bring people together for a good cause.
“We do a lot of family-oriented events so we thought this would be a good one to do without that little kid aspect. We talked about it in one of our planning meetings with (Tri City Health Partnership Executive Director) Dani (Ward) and she loved the idea. We said let’s do it at Pickled. With Pickled opening on Randall Road it was the perfect place. Any time I can use my business to give back to the community I’m all for it.” – (Bruno)
Supporting Community Health Through Pickleball
Tri City Health Partnership has been offering free, high-quality care for nearly 25 years. They receive no government funding and rely entirely on donations, grants, and events like this one to serve the uninsured and low-income population.
“There are so many amazing non-profits in our area that do amazing things that you don’t know about. I didn’t know anything about TCHP until going to that fundraiser in October of last year. It’s great to get some awareness about what they offer to the community.” – (Bruno)
Executive Director Dani Ward said the funds raised will go a long way in helping patients.
“There are so many amazing non-profits in our area that do amazing things that you don’t know about. I didn’t know anything about TCHP until going to that fundraiser in October of last year. It’s great to get some awareness about what they offer to the community.” – (Bruno)
Ward added that the first-time tournament was a big success. “It was a pretty fantastic first-time event,” she said, raising $2,060.
Friendly Competition with a Meaningful Purpose
Thirty-two players registered for the tournament, and each played at least seven matches. The local team “Clausen Pickles,” made up of Geneva’s Scott Clausen and his son Cam Clausen, took home the tournament win.
The event not only provided financial support to TCHP but also raised awareness about the organization’s mission. Participants got to enjoy the benefits of exercise while helping others gain access to vital healthcare services.
News in Brief: Pickleball Fundraiser for Community Health
A March 23 pickleball tournament at Pickled in Batavia raised $2,060 for Tri City Health Partnership. The event drew 32 players and helped fund free medical and dental care for low-income residents of central Kane County. Organizers hope to grow community support and awareness for future events.
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