Homewood Chamber Pickleball Fundraiser 2025: The Homewood Chamber of Commerce will host its 2025 annual fundraiser as a pickleball tournament instead of the traditional golf event. The tournament will take place on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Picklr indoor courts in Vestavia Hills.
Modernizing the Annual Fundraiser
The fundraiser aims to support economic development programs, provide scholarships for local students, and benefit the community. This year, the Chamber introduced pickleball to attract more participants and create a more engaging, accessible event for all ages and skill levels.
The event will feature a bracketed tournament for players of all skill levels, coaching sessions, open court time, sponsor booths with giveaways, food, drinks, and networking opportunities. Residents can participate even without playing pickleball, making it a welcoming event for everyone.
Community Excitement and Support
“Pickleball checked all the boxes — it’s trendy, fun and highly accessible. It doesn’t require prior experience, expensive equipment or a large time commitment. Plus, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, so we knew it would resonate with members of all ages and skill levels. Everyone — seasoned players, beginners, sponsors and spectators. You don’t even have to play pickleball — just come, network and be part of the fun. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, making it a much friendlier environment for networking than golf,” Homewood Chamber Director Shay Gartman said.
Registration opened in early September and has already surpassed early interest levels of the previous golf tournament. Several sponsors are confirmed, and local businesses are using the event for team-building and networking. “Participation is already ahead of our usual golf tournament numbers, which reinforces that this was the right move,” Gartman said.
A New Tradition in the Making
The Chamber hopes the pickleball tournament will become a regular replacement for golf, connecting longtime community leaders with the next generation of professionals. Gartman added, “We see this as a long-term replacement, but like with any event, we’ll evaluate feedback afterward. If the enthusiasm and participation continue at the level we’re already seeing, I think the Pickleball Challenge will quickly become a new Chamber tradition. It’s about creating opportunities that are relevant, modern and accessible while still staying true to our mission of supporting Homewood’s business community.”
News in Brief: Homewood Chamber Pickleball Fundraiser 2025
The Homewood Chamber of Commerce will host its 2025 fundraiser as a pickleball tournament at The Picklr in Vestavia Hills on October 24, 2025. The event includes a bracketed tournament, coaching, open play, food, drinks, and networking. Interest has already surpassed previous golf events, signaling a new Chamber tradition.
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