Spring is on its way, and that is reflected in the increase in tournaments and other pickleball-related activities popping up across the nation. Here, we look at a conference, open sessions, and fundraisers happening in Texas, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.
Texas Ranchers
Texas Ranchers, one of the eight pioneering Major League Pickleball squads in the U.S., has invited pickleball enthusiasts, festival-goers, and the Austin populace to join them at the Ranchers Roost—the inaugural Pickleball House—during Austin’s spring festival today on March 11.
Engaging Content
The Ranchers Roost promises a day brimming with engaging content, uniting top-tier entrepreneurs, athletes, and brands from America’s still rapidly pickleball community.
Attendees can expect illuminating discussions on cutting-edge ideas, the unveiling of a vibrant mural courtesy of Muralé & Co., and an exclusive announcement from the Texas Ranchers’ proprietors. Open pickleball sessions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, commencing at 8 am and continuing throughout the day.
Panel Conversations
Panel conversations include:
- Building a Platform, Growing the Sport: Rise of the Pickleball Influencer
- Alternative Sports Investing: Beyond the Big Four
- The Road from 4.0 to Pro: Building Talent Pipelines in a New Sport
- Ownership Matters: The Rise of Athlete Investor
- The Inner Game of Pickleball–Mental Health & Sports Psychology
Eastside Paddle Club
This event is presented in part by Texas Rancher’s official team partners, Joma, Waiakea water, Fat Tire beer, Turtlebox Audio, Major League Pickleball (MLP), and Eastside Paddle Club.
The all-day event is open to the public; RSVP is required at ranchers.eq.tickets. Parking is limited, and rideshare is recommended.
The event is free and will be held at Eastside Paddle Club, 979 Springdale Rd, Suite 120, Austin, 78702, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Read our article on what 2024 holds for Major League Pickleball here.
Beaver Dam Pickleball
The Beaver Dam Pickleball Court fundraiser is close to completing its fundraising goals. Naming rights and general donations are still open for participation.
Aging Infrastructure And Safety Issues
Fundraising efforts were set in motion last year due to concerns about the aging infrastructure and safety issues, with the aim to complete the construction process by this summer.
The Area Community Foundation in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, is managing the donations. Initially aiming for four to five hundred thousand dollars, the fundraising efforts have now exceeded the minimum goal of $400,000.
Abbi Linde recently expressed her gratitude to the donors during a Community Comment session, stating, “We’ve just been so blown away by the community support. There’s been an incredible display of generosity, momentum, and excitement from individuals, businesses, and grants.”
Further Donations Still Welcome
The naming rights have been secured by Rich Nattila in memory of Janice Nattila and the Kastenmeier family, resulting in the official name of the pickleball area as the “JM Kastenmeier Courts.”
Opportunities for further donations are available, with six of the nine courts still open for naming rights. Donors receive special recognition on the Beaver Dam Pickleball Facebook page and have their names engraved on a donor board within the court area.
Prospective donors can email [email protected]. Additionally, a donation form is available on their Facebook page or can be obtained from the Watermark, located at 209 South Center Street in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
For inquiries, individuals can also contact Steve Ihm, who has generously volunteered to address questions at 920-306-2668.
PAWS Charity Pickleball Tournament
The PAWS Charity Pickleball Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, April 6th, in White Mills, Pennsylvania, hopes to prove popular while also channeling its proceeds towards the local nonprofit organization PAWS of NEPA. This admirable group extends financial aid for veterinary care to qualifying pet owners in the community.
Two Sessions
In collaboration with Dropshots Pickleball, the event will take place at The Sports Factory of NEPA on 180 White Mills Road, White Mills, Pennsylvania. The event is divided into two sessions: morning (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and afternoon (1 to 6 p.m.).
Participants will engage in a round-robin format, with sign-ups facilitating random pairings.
Entry into the tournament requires a fee of $35 per person, with raffle baskets and food prizes up for grabs. Additionally, sponsorship opportunities are available to support the cause further.
Headquartered In Tafton
Alissa Weiss, president and founder of PAWS of NEPA, said that the organization started in May 2023. With their headquarters in Tafton, PAWS of NEPA diligently serves the counties of Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, and Susquehanna.
Their Facebook page states, “For many pet owners, the cost of unexpected veterinary care can be a financial burden that they simply cannot afford. That’s where PAWS comes in. We provide financial assistance for veterinary care to pet owners in need, ensuring that they can access the care their beloved animals deserve.”
Read about another worthy animal charity fundraiser here.
