Mont Belvieu’s Charity Pickleball Tournament: Mont Belvieu’s Kelly Inspection Services organized a charity pickleball tournament on November 9, benefiting the Baytown Goodfellows Christmas Toy Program. Held at the Chambers County Pickleball Courts in Mont Belvieu, the event raised funds to support local children during the holiday season. Jax Farmer and Miguel Savalza took first place in the tournament, showing their skills for a worthy cause.
A Tradition of Giving
While pickleball continues to grow in popularity, giving back to the community has long been a tradition, especially during the holiday season.
The Baytown Goodfellows Christmas Toy Program has been bringing joy to low-income families for over 90 years, ensuring that children in need receive toys during Christmas. The program has a history of community support, and this year, Kelly Inspection Services stepped in to assist.
Under the leadership of owner Chris Kelly, the company organized the charity event with the goal of supporting the Goodfellows Program. The event took place at the Chambers County Pickleball Courts, and all the proceeds were dedicated to the cause.
“Every year, we give toys to about 700 children from Baytown and surrounding areas like Mont Belvieu, other parts of Chambers County, Highlands, etc. We want to make sure that every child has an opportunity to get toys at Christmas time. Community support has dwindled over the years, so events like this really help us.” – (Ashley Smith)
A Personal Commitment
For Chris Kelly, the Goodfellows Program holds a personal significance. His late grandfather, Cecil Kelly, was a dedicated supporter of the organization, having made substantial donations during his lifetime. Chris Kelly honored that legacy by organizing the event to continue his family’s support for Goodfellows.
“It was something special to him – something special to me. So, it was kind of a no-brainer for us to put all of this together.” – (Chris Kelly)
Tournament Results and Community Support
The pickleball tournament featured 28 teams competing for top honors, with the first-place winners being Miguel Savalza and Jax Farmer. Chris Brown and Rafeeq Abdul finished in second place, while William Quidilla and Amanda Gomez earned third. The event was further enhanced by door prizes, a silent auction, and generous support from local sponsors.
Wash Pros Express provided breakfast tacos and burritos from Chiludos, and Polar Beverages kept participants and spectators refreshed with cold drinks. Chambers County graciously donated the use of the courts, ensuring the event could proceed smoothly.
Continuing the Tradition of Support
The Baytown Goodfellows Christmas Toy Program has been a cornerstone of community support since its founding by Bob Matherne, the original owner and publisher of the Baytown Sun. Every year, the organization has worked tirelessly to assist low-income families, and the charity pickleball tournament is one example of how the community continues to support its mission.
The tournament raised $3,179, which will directly benefit the children in need. Additional donations can be made online at baytownjuniorforum.org, via Zelle to [email protected], by mail to Goodfellows c/o Baytown Junior Forum, P.O. Box 8116, Baytown, TX 77522, or dropped off at The Baytown Sun office at 1301 Memorial Drive.
News in Brief: Mont Belvieu’s Charity Pickleball Tournament
Kelly Inspection Services hosted a charity pickleball tournament on November 9 to benefit the Baytown Goodfellows Christmas Toy Program. Held at Chambers County Pickleball Courts in Mont Belvieu, the tournament raised $3,179.
First place went to Jax Farmer and Miguel Savalza. The event, supported by local businesses and sponsors, aims to provide toys for over 700 children in need in the Baytown area. Donations are still being accepted online and via mail.
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