Greenwood Pickleball Tournament: The Making Memories Classic, a pickleball fundraiser in Greenwood, Indiana, has raised more than $139,000 over the past three years to support the Alzheimer’s Association. The fourth pickleball tournament will take place from June 13 to 15, 2025, at Freedom Park. The event mixes fun and sports to help fight dementia.
How the Tournament Began
Dr. David Mandelbaum created the Making Memories Classic after both his parents passed away from dementia. He wanted to help others and raise money for research and support programs.
“What really keeps us going and fuels the desire to raise more money is, we’re starting to see the results in research and development for dementia testing and dementia treatment… Whereas just a few years ago, if you were diagnosed with dementia, there just wasn’t anything to do except putting support into place, now we’re starting to see that a cure may very well be on the horizon.” – (David Mandelbaum)
The event started in 2022 and brought in $36,000 with 231 players. It grew in 2023 with 255 players and over $46,600 raised. Last year, the tournament raised $57,600 at Freedom Park.
“People really understand the real reason we’re having this tournament, and the special nature of it, and the reason I have such a passion for it.” – (David Mandelbaum)
What to Expect This Year
This year’s pickleball tournament is expected to be the biggest one yet. It starts on June 13 with a kickoff party featuring food, live music from Just the Two of Us, and a free pickleball clinic for beginners.
“People come to play in this tournament, mostly from central Indiana, but also from other parts of the states and neighboring states. We received so many compliments about the courts and the park and Greenwood in general. It was interesting that no many how many fun activities we had or different things going on, so many people mentioned the cause. They were really there because they had some kind of connection to or interest in fighting dementia.” – (David Mandelbaum)
Players will also be able to join a “Play with the Pros” session by donating to the fundraiser. Top women’s pickleball players Jade Kawamoto and Jackie Kawamoto, who live in Greenwood, will join the event.
“Pickleball players will have the chance, for a small donation to our fundraiser, to actually get out on the court and play with two of the top-15 women’s doubles players in the world.” – (David Mandelbaum)
Fun and Fundraising All Weekend
During the weekend, guests can enjoy a hospitality area with drinks and snacks. A silent auction will also be held, featuring many pickleball-related items.
“We saw what’s worked in the past, so we’re continuing some of those things that have led to some success for us.” – (David Mandelbaum)
He also hopes the event brings the whole community together.
“One of the things we’re trying to do is really make this a community event that’s even more far-reaching than just pickleball, even though pickleball is the focal point of the weekend.” – (David Mandelbaum)
Why Pickleball Works
Dr. David Mandelbaum said that pickleball is great for brain health because it gets people moving and keeps them social. A 2022 study in the medical journal Neurology showed that physical activity lowers dementia risk by 17%, and social activity lowers it by 7%.
Mandelbaum’s wife, Anna Mandelbaum, helped him discover pickleball. After she began playing at Craig Park, she shared her excitement and the friendships she made. This helped Dr. David Mandelbaum see how pickleball could help fight dementia, physically and mentally.
News in Brief: Greenwood Pickleball Tournament
The Making Memories Classic in Greenwood has raised over $139,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association since 2022. This year’s tournament, June 13–15, includes pro play, music, a silent auction, and more. Created by Dr. David Mandelbaum, the event brings people together to raise money and awareness for dementia research.
ALSO READ: Strong House Foundation Pickleball Tournament Brings Players Together for Local Youth