Greenwood’s Pickleball Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Sets Example

Greenwood’s Pickleball Fundraiser for Alzheimer: When Dr. David Mandelbaum started the Making Memories Classic, it was more than just a pickleball tournament. It was an earnest effort to unite the community through the sport he loved, all while raising crucial funds for dementia research and support. Inspired by his parents’ battle with the disease, Mandelbaum envisioned a celebration that would grow in scale and impact. What began as a modest gathering has transformed into a major event.

“It’s overwhelming because, two years when this popped into my head as something we could do, I never thought we’d see it get to this magnitude of involvement, of popularity with people.” – (Mandelbaum)

An Unprecedented Turnout

The Making Memories Classic is set to take over Greenwood’s Freedom Park from August 16 to 18, and this year’s tournament promises to be the largest yet. With nearly 400 players registered—a 50% increase from last year—the event is now firmly established in the central Indiana pickleball scene. Mandelbaum reflects on the growth with a sense of awe.

“It’s so gratifying and so heart-warming to see everyone rally around this cause. All I can think about is my parents, but on a bigger scale, I think about how many people have been impacted by this. I feel like we’re making a difference.” – (Mandelbaum)

Community Celebration and Support

The event will kick off with a party at Freedom Park’s newly-built pickleball courts. From 5 to 7:30 p.m. on August 16, attendees can enjoy food from Metro Diner, music by DJ Vinny Neff, and a beer truck from MashCraft Brewing. Free pickleball clinics for beginners will be held at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., aiming to introduce new players to the sport.

“It’s not just about pickleball—we want to make it like a ‘party in the park’ for our tournament.” – (Mandelbaum)

Continuing the Mission

Mandelbaum’s commitment to fighting dementia extends beyond the tournament. His parents’ battle with Alzheimer’s left a profound mark on him, propelling him to become active with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater Indiana chapter. The Making Memories Classic, he notes, is deeply intertwined with his mission.

“It left a lasting impact on me, going through their end of life journey as their oldest child.” – (Mandelbaum)

The tournament has seen impressive growth since its inaugural year, with funds raised increasing each year—from nearly $36,000 in 2022 to more than $46,600 in 2023. This year’s event, with 385 players registered, is set to break previous records.

“Even if I wasn’t convinced of this beforehand, I’m becoming more convinced: I’ve had a few people tell me that the fact that it’s a fundraiser for such a great cause, the Alzheimer’s Association, and so many people have been touched in one way or another by the terrible scourge of dementia, that’s one of the attractions of this tournament. We’re all in this together, trying to beat this disease.” – (Mandelbaum)

A Call to Action

While player registration is closed, the community is still encouraged to participate as spectators. The Making Memories Classic shows Freedom Park’s new pickleball courts, which opened in June and serve as a vital fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association. Mandelbaum’s vision of blending community spirit with support for a critical cause continues to thrive.

“The concept was, how do we bring the community into this, to make them aware of these beautiful new pickleball courts and make them aware that this is a great fundraiser for a great cause.” – (Mandelbaum)

News in Brief: Greenwood’s Pickleball Fundraiser for Alzheimer