Pickle the Cause Pickleball Fundraiser: Axes Physical Therapy is hosting its first “Pickle the Cause” event—an all-day, all-night pickleball fundraiser to support cancer research. The 24-hour event will take place from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Paddle Up Pickleball Club, located in The District, Chesterfield Valley. All money raised will go to Pedal the Cause, a nonprofit that funds cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
A Unique Pickleball-A-Thon with Purpose
Unlike traditional tournaments, “Pickle the Cause” will run continuously for 24 hours. The facility, which has seven indoor courts, is rented exclusively for the event.
Players can sign up for hourly matches with a $50 donation per hour and may book multiple hours. Those who don’t play are encouraged to attend, cheer on others, or join the Welcome Party happening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday night.
Events throughout the 24 hours include glow-in-the-dark games, live music, entertainment, and a recovery zone with Axes Physical Therapy staff. The event is open to all skill levels.
Axes Physical Therapy shared the reason behind the effort.
“This isn’t just any pickleball tournament. It’s our way of standing with patients, families, and researchers in the fight against cancer right here in the St. Louis area.”
Supporting Pedal the Cause and Cancer Research
Pedal the Cause is a St. Louis-based nonprofit that began in 2010. Since then, it has raised over $45 million to support local cancer research.
“Every dollar raised through Pedal the Cause stays local, funding innovative research projects—new ideas that can lead to new treatments, new clinical trials, and ultimately, cures.”
Axes Physical Therapy wanted to turn its team’s love for pickleball into something bigger.
“Axes Physical Therapy has long admired Pedal the Cause’s impact on the community. That’s why we’re partnering with them to launch Pickle the Cause—a way for us to turn our own passions and connections into real dollars for research.”
Many team members at Axes have been personally affected by cancer.
“Many of our team members have personal connections to cancer. We’ve stood beside family members, friends, colleagues, and patients fighting this disease, and we know firsthand how important research and support can be.”
The goal is to bring together staff, families, and community members around one mission: to help fund cancer research.
“Pickle the Cause is our way of giving back, uniting our staff, patients, families, and friends around a shared goal: funding critical cancer research that benefits our region.”
Everyone Can Join In
Organizers say anyone can get involved, whether or not they play pickleball. They’ve made it easy to contribute.
Here’s how people can help:
- Register to Play: $50 per hour; book more if you’d like.
- Donate: Support a player or the full event.
- Spread the Word: Share with friends and family.
- Attend: Spectators are welcome all day, especially during the Friday night party.
Axes Physical Therapy added,
“100% of donations go DIRECTLY to Pedal the Cause – to raise money for cancer research HERE in St. Louis!”
They hope this year’s event is just the beginning.
“We hope Pickle the Cause becomes an annual tradition—one that grows bigger every year and brings our community together.”
News in Brief: Pickle the Cause Pickleball Fundraiser
Axes Physical Therapy will host a 24-hour pickleball event called “Pickle the Cause” from September 26–27, 2025, in Chesterfield Valley. The event raises funds for Pedal the Cause to support cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center. All donations stay local and benefit patients across St. Louis.
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