The Leadership Douglas County Class of 2025 will host the first Smash Hunger Pickleball Tournament on September 13 at the Douglas County Community Center, 1329 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville. The fundraiser will support the Douglas County School District’s Angel Account, which covers lunch costs for students in financial need.
The event comes after Nevada’s free lunch program ended in May 2024. Since then, school meal participation has dropped by 43 percent. The Angel Account serves as a safety net to ensure no student goes without a meal. All proceeds from the tournament will directly support the program.
Community Involvement and Event Features
“The Smash Hunger Tournament promises spirited competition, community connection, and a powerful impact and we’re inviting the entire community to get involved,”
said Leadership Douglas County Class of 2025 participant and Administrative Services Manager, Douglas County Community Services, Georgianna Drees-Wasmer.
“Whether you play pickleball, donate a raffle prize, help sponsor the event, or simply come out and cheer on the competitors, you’re helping to feed local students and build a stronger Douglas County.”
Sponsorships, raffle items, and concession donations are now being accepted. VIP and co-host sponsorship tiers are available, giving individuals and businesses a chance to support education and community health.
Future Plans
Starting in 2026, the Active 20-30 Club of Carson Valley will take over organizing the event, aiming to make it a long-standing annual tradition.
“Let’s make the inaugural Smash Hunger Tournament unforgettable,”
said Kayla Ratliff, Leadership Douglas County Class of 2025 participant and Commercial Account Manager at Fromarc Insurance Agency.
“We want to see the community join us in making a difference—one pickleball match at a time.”
News in Brief: Smash Hunger Pickleball Tournament
The Leadership Douglas County Class of 2025 will host the first Smash Hunger Pickleball Tournament on September 13 in Gardnerville to raise funds for the Douglas County School District’s Angel Account. The event will support students in need and is planned to become an annual tradition starting in 2026.