Pickleball Tournament in Iowa City Raises Funds for Hunger Relief
Community Impact Through Pickleball
The rising trend of pickleball is transcending its role as merely a sport, as evidenced by a recent event in Iowa City aimed at addressing hunger. A local tournament, organized by CommUnity Crisis Services, took place on April 19 at the GreenState Family Fieldhouse in Coralville, successfully raising approximately $3,600 for this critical cause. This volunteer-led organization focuses on providing emotional, financial, and food assistance to those in need, with around 30 participants joining the effort.
Sara Barth, the event and fundraising manager, noted that the funds were generated through a combination of donations and sponsorships. She remarked, “Pickleball is incredibly popular right now, and we saw this as a great opportunity to engage with the community.” The event received backing from various sponsors, including Scheels, Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Selkirk, Pickle Palace, and Micky’s Irish Pub.
Beth Wetmore, manager of Micky’s Irish Pub, emphasized the significance of supporting such initiatives, stating, “Food scarcity is a major concern, and we aim to assist the community in feeding those in need.” This fundraiser comes at a time when food insecurity is on the rise, with Feeding America reporting that one in eight Iowans and one in six children in the state are affected by hunger.
Participants expressed the dual benefits of combining sport with community service. Nicole Holdgrafer, a graduate student from the University of Iowa, who teamed up with Joseph Vasseur for the doubles event, shared, “We were drawn to this fundraiser because it gives back to the community, and we felt it was a great opportunity to contribute.”
Despite their limited experience, the duo performed admirably on the court, with Vasseur confidently predicting a top-five finish after their initial victory. They ultimately secured the runner-up position.
The tournament was ultimately won by local players Natalie Hanson and Sarah Altenhofen, who are regulars at Mercer Park and also volunteer at the food bank. Hanson expressed her surprise at their victory but was thrilled about the funds raised for the food bank and CommUnity Crisis Services. “When we learned about the pickleball fundraiser, it was an obvious choice for us to participate,” she said.
Encouraged by the turnout and community support, organizers are already considering making this an annual event. Barth stated, “This is a promising start for a tournament, and I would love to see it become a regular occurrence.” As participation continues to grow and the purpose behind these events drives engagement, it’s clear that pickleball is evolving into a powerful platform for community unity and positive change.