Panama City Pickleball Event: Pickleball players from across the region gathered at Papa Joe’s Bayside in Panama City for a heartwarming event—one that blended sport with purpose. The Make-A-Wish Pickleball Tournament aimed to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a cause dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Raising Funds for a Worthy Cause
Kathleen Hampton, Director of Development for the Northwest Region of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida, highlighted the significance of the pickleball event.
“The funds that are raised will help grant one to two wishes for a child that is waiting for their wish in the local area.” – (Kathleen Hampton)
With the tournament’s success, close to $10,000 had been raised by the time the event ended—enough to cover the average $8,000 cost of a wish.
“The efforts here are part of a larger commitment. In the whole northwest region from Perry to Pensacola, we’ve raised over 125 wishes in the last four years.” – (Kathleen Hampton)
A Family’s Touching Story
For the Bostwick family, the Make-A-Wish Foundation means more than just raising money. It’s a personal connection. Andrew Bostwick shared how Make-A-Wish became a beacon of hope after his son’s diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
“Make-A-Wish came into our lives a little bit after our son was diagnosed with an osteosarcoma in his right leg.” – (Andrew Bostwick)
After enduring a year and a half of treatment, the Bostwick family’s son, who had been fitted for a prosthetic, made the decision to fulfill his wish—to go to Hawaii.
“We kind of went through treatment for about a year and a half. Then he got to a place where he had been fitted for his prosthetic and was doing well. The cancer was under control and so we decided to make his wish happen, which was to go to Hawaii.” – (Andrew Bostwick)
Tragically, the cancer returned shortly after their return, and the family faced the heartbreaking loss of their son in December.
“Unfortunately, when we got back within about two months, his cancer returned, and he was placed on Hospice in March of that same year. Then he passed away this last December. For us, the Make-A-Wish was really our last big memory with him.” – (Andrew Bostwick)
Honoring a Son’s Legacy Through Sport
The Bostwick family also shared how pickleball became a cherished part of their son’s final months.
“After he was in Hospice, we stayed home with him and we started playing pickle ball at our church and he would come and he would line judge. He’d sit in his wheelchair, and he’d call line or in or out. We spent a lot of time with him and those months.” – (Jaci Bostwick)
The tournament, she emphasized, wasn’t just about raising money for other children’s wishes but also a way to honor their son’s love for the sport.
“He got to play pickleball and just get out of the house and do stuff. He loves watching us play pickle ball. I know that if he could have been out there playing. It’s not just granting one person’s wish, it’s granting a whole family’s wish.” – (Jaci Bostwick)
Future Tournaments to Keep the Spirit Alive
Looking ahead, members of the Make-A-Wish Foundation are already planning future pickleball tournaments across the region.
Hampton mentioned the goal to host these events quarterly in cities such as Pensacola, Panama City, and Destin. Each tournament will continue the important mission of making children’s wishes come true, all while uniting communities through the joy of pickleball.
News in Brief: Panama City Pickleball Event
The Make-A-Wish Pickleball Tournament at Papa Joe’s Bayside in Panama City raised nearly $10,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. These funds will help grant wishes for local children facing critical illnesses.
The Bostwick family shared their personal story of how Make-A-Wish granted their son’s wish for a trip to Hawaii before his passing. The foundation plans to hold more pickleball tournaments every three months in Pensacola, Panama City, and Destin to continue raising funds and spreading joy.
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