Chick-fil-A’s Pickleball Tournament: A pickleball tournament will be held on June 21 at Wilson’s new pickleball complex to support Chick-fil-A’s 14th annual Bucks for Backpacks fundraiser. The pickleball event replaces the usual in-store efforts to help raise money for free backpacks filled with school supplies for students in Wilson County, Tennessee.
Christy Proctor, a Chick-fil-A operator, is turning 54 this year and hopes to raise enough funds for 540 backpacks. Marketing Director Ahtziri Schwartz said each backpack, filled with supplies, costs $25. The switch to a tournament was made to reduce the pressure on restaurant staff while keeping the fundraiser active.
From Birthday Bash to Giving Back
The event is part of Christy Proctor’s birthday tradition. Instead of receiving gifts, she asks people to donate to Bucks for Backpacks.
“In years prior, Ms. Tracy (Wellington) has always made it her mission to make Mrs. Christy’s birthday bash a really big thing because Mrs. Christy is so selfless. Instead of a big birthday party with gifts, she wants donations through Bucks for Backpacks. Last year, it weighed so heavy on the restaurant operationally. You have to have people. You can’t have everyone from here volunteering and still have people to work (at the restaurants).” – (Ahtziri Schwartz)
Affordable Entry, Big Rewards
The event includes two types of pickleball tournaments. A round robin match costs $10 per person and is more casual. The competitive “moneyball” bracket is $40 per person, with part of the fee going to the prize pool. The winner of the tournament will also receive free Chick-fil-A for a year.
“This year we’re spreading that celebration throughout the week with a little bit of goodness every single day. On Saturday, we’re holding the pickleball tournament. That’s really utilizing what Wilson has brought to us. We have that pickleball complex now, 28 courts. That’s amazing. We’re utilizing the community portion of it while trying to get some profits to bring back to Bucks for Backpacks.” – (Ahtziri Schwartz)
“If I wasn’t running it, I would definitely play. We have some team members that have signed up. We’ve had people sign up from Fayetteville, Jamestown. We’ve posted it in Facebook group chats. Early registration just ended; however, registration is open until June 21. The winner of the pickleball tournament is also going to receive free Chick-fil-A for a year.” – (Ahtziri Schwartz)
Open to All Skill Levels
The tournament is open to everyone, no matter their experience level.
“Our tournament is from beginners to advanced. Anyone can play in it. The tournament’s bracket style, broken down by gender and beginner, intermediate and advanced.” – (Ahtziri Schwartz)
Weeklong Celebrations and Community Fun
Leading up to the event, Chick-fil-A will host smaller activities in the store each day.
“We have little things we’re doing in the week leading up to the tournament. We didn’t want to do too much so it’s not too heavy.” – (Ahtziri Schwartz)
“On Monday, we’re going to release a backpack wall tracker. That will show the guests how many backpacks we’ve raised with the money we’ve raised. On Tuesday and Thursday, we’re more so targeted towards the community. Mrs. Christy wanted to be a teacher, so we’re going to recognize teachers in Wilson County. We’ll have boards where people can come and recognize their favorite teacher. When we get those names, we’re going to do a drawing. We’ll also recognize the Wilson County Board of Education that week.” – (Ahtziri Schwartz)
On Friday, the Chick-fil-A cow mascot will visit the Forest Hills location at lunchtime.
“In the morning, we plan to do bingo. We’ll have a family fun event. It’s going to look like our kids’ night events. You’re going to have tables set up with crafts, lots of family and community-oriented activities.” – (Ahtziri Schwartz)
News in Brief: Chick-fil-A’s Pickleball Tournament
Chick-fil-A’s Bucks for Backpacks fundraiser shifts to a pickleball tournament on June 21 in Wilson. The event supports school kids with free backpacks. Entry fees range from $10–$40, with prizes and family fun. The fundraiser honors Christy Proctor’s birthday and helps students across Wilson County.