Dance Marathon Pickleball Tournament: In a departure from its traditional block party format, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dance Marathon launched its 2024-25 school year with a pickleball tournament on Wednesday, August 28. This shift reflects the group’s response to the growing popularity of pickleball and a desire to reinvigorate its annual fundraising efforts.
A New Approach to Fundraising
The Dance Marathon, a prominent philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting children’s hospitals nationwide, typically hosts multiple fundraisers each year. However, after years of organizing block parties with limited success, the group decided to change to pickleball—a sport currently experiencing a surge in popularity.
“I have always known that I wanted to help people, and this is a small way that isn’t always seen, where I can help people,” said Addy Timmerman, a senior majoring in child, youth, and family studies and executive director for Dance Marathon. “We always have an event at this time, and it hasn’t been the most successful thing the last couple of years, so we decided to change it up a little.” Timmerman believes that the widespread appeal of pickleball could attract new participants and elevate the event’s profile.
Tournament Highlights
The pickleball tournament saw fifty-six doubles teams, including Dance Marathon members, pickleball club participants, and students, competing in a bracket-style format. The event not only attracted a robust lineup of competitors but also drew spectators from the nearby dorms who came to watch the action.
For many students, this tournament marked their first encounter with Dance Marathon. Freshman Carter Bousquet, majoring in mechanical engineering, participated with fellow freshman Jesse Droescher. “We heard it was for a good cause, and we played a little pickleball at home,” Bousquet noted. “There’s just a good atmosphere here.”
A Personal Touch
Ella Jepsen, a senior majoring in elementary education and Vice President of Programming for Dance Marathon, has been involved with the organization for three years. She spearheaded the event, finding a new passion for event planning and a deepened connection to the cause. “All of the hours I have spent throughout the years, just to see the smiles on their faces, it’s worth it,” Jepsen said. “There are so many kids that have been impacted by the hospital, so it is really cool to give back what they give to us.”
The courts were adorned with photos of patients from Omaha Children’s Hospital, serving as a reminder of the tournament’s beneficiaries. Each child’s story highlighted the tangible impact of the funds raised.
Impact Stories
Willa Gardener, a senior from Lincoln Southwest High School and a Dance Marathon Miracle Kid, shared her experience. Diagnosed with VACTERL association at a young age, Gardener has undergone over 15 surgeries. She appreciates how Dance Marathon supports her ongoing needs at Omaha Children’s Hospital and values the group’s supportive presence. “I try to go to as many events as I can,” Gardener said. “For me personally they have been great support […] They care about my story but not in a way that minimizes me or any other kid. They acknowledge it, but they show that we aren’t that different from any other kid.”
Advisor’s Perspective
Veronica Riepe, the new Dance Marathon advisor and director of Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement, expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s success. “Dance Marathon is a very amazing, very selfless organization; it’s all about benefiting the Children’s Hospital in Omaha,” Riepe said. “I think that events like this that are fun really give the people involved the chance to educate people about their mission[…] You know this is fun, but your money is going to benefit the children’s hospital, and that is truly the goal.”
News in Brief: Dance Marathon Pickleball Tournament
On August 28, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dance Marathon kicked off its 2024-25 fundraising season with a pickleball tournament, shifting from its traditional block party format. The event, featuring 56 doubles teams, aimed to leverage pickleball’s popularity to boost participation and support for Children’s Hospitals. Senior Addy Timmerman and Vice President Ella Jepsen emphasized the event’s potential to connect with new supporters and make a meaningful impact. With photos of young patients displayed, the tournament highlighted personal stories of those benefiting from the funds. Advisor Veronica Riepe praised the event’s success in engaging participants and promoting the organization’s mission.
Also Read: Nick Faldo Highlights Pickleball’s Rise Over LIV Golf’s Struggles
