The first Smash Hunger Pickleball Tournament, held Saturday at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center, brought together 28 teams to raise money for school lunches in Nevada. The event, created by the Douglas County Leadership Class of 2025, aimed to support students after the end of the state’s free lunch program.
Tournament Supports Student Meals
Douglas County Administrative Services Manager Georgianna Drees-Wasmer, a participant in the Leadership Class, explained the purpose.
“Douglas County Leadership hosted the Smash Hunger Pickleball Tournament to raise money for the Douglas County School District’s Angel Accounts, which helps to fund lunches for kids in need,” (Georgianna Drees-Wasmer).
Each Leadership Class designs a project for the community. This year, the group turned to pickleball.
“It was decided we wanted to do an event to raise money for the kids and the group thought of a tournament and they knew that pickleball is a growing sport in community, so we thought this would be a fun way to have the first pickleball tournament at the complex,” (Georgianna Drees-Wasmer).
Community Steps Up
The class set a fundraising goal of $10,000, and community support played a big role.
“We’ve had amazing support from the community, businesses, a lot of sponsorships, so we’re very grateful for all the people who have helped us reach our goal,” (Georgianna Drees-Wasmer).
The Leadership Class plans to present a check to the Douglas County School Board of Trustees at their October meeting.
Addressing a Growing Need
Nevada ended its free lunch program in May 2024, and since then, school meal participation has dropped by 43 percent. The Angel Account program now steps in to cover meal costs for students who cannot pay.
Leadership student and tournament organizer Josh Rudelbach said future events could expand.
“In 2026, the hope is the Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club will take on the event (Josh Rudelbach).
Looking Ahead
Leadership Douglas County began in 1996 and will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. With the success of the Smash Hunger Tournament, the Class of 2025 has shown how community events can provide long-term help for local students in need.
News in Brief: Smash Hunger Pickleball Tournament
The first Smash Hunger Pickleball Tournament in Douglas County raised funds to support school meal costs after Nevada ended its free lunch program. Organized by the Douglas County Leadership Class of 2025, the event hosted 28 teams and reached its $10,000 fundraising goal to support the district’s Angel Accounts.
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