Edwardsville Care Closet Pickleball Tournament: The Edwardsville Care Closet held its first pickleball tournament on June 22 at Plummer Family Park in Edwardsville to raise money for student meals. The charity event gathered 26 teams to compete for a $150 prize and brought in $910 to help feed low-income students in the area.
The nonprofit group, which works to provide essentials for students in need, tried something new by hosting an event outside of the school.
“We were pleasantly surprised to see how many teams had signed up. It was our first time bringing an event outside of the school setting and to the community at large, and we are so thankful it was a success.”(Events Coordinator Eliona Selimi)
Competition Draws Many Players
The tournament used a double-elimination format and lasted 12 rounds over three hours. Jeff Harriss and Craig Black came in first place, while Matthew Fields and Shawn Bowers finished second.
Besides the main matches, there was a special “game court” where people could play for prizes. Miles Riechmann, who came to cheer for his brother, joined in the bull’s-eye game and won several items.
“I won a 90-minute massage certificate, a T-shirt, and some energy drinks. If you like pickleball and want to hang out with some friends, I would recommend going. I got to meet a lot of new people and make friends.”( Miles Riechmann)
Helping Students in Need
The Edwardsville Care Closet plans to use the money raised to support its Peanut Butter and Jelly sack-lunch program.
“In the past two years, we’ve made more than 1,000 sack lunches comprised of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, fruit snacks, desserts, and drinks. We hope to use our new funds to fuel that program, as well as purchase a variety of snacks for students at Edwardsville High School.”(Treasurer Dia Kannan)
Incoming President Gurleen Bawa said the event was meaningful and will become a regular fundraiser.
“This event will happen next year because it was a fun opportunity for the community to get involved and raise money for a very local cause. It means a lot to us to see people come out, even in the blaring heat, to support low-income students in District 7.(Gurleen Bawa)
The tournament showed how sports can bring people together to help their neighbors and create lasting change.
News in Brief: Edwardsville Care Closet Pickleball Tournament
The Edwardsville Care Closet raised $910 during its first pickleball tournament on June 22. The event drew 26 teams to Plummer Family Park. Funds will support meal programs for low-income students. Organizers plan to make the tournament an annual tradition to help children in District 7.
ALSO READ: Langley Pickleball Tournament Aims to Raise $25K for Children’s Autism Support