It’s a likely match up—pickleball and Alzheimer’s. Both words have become recognizable in most households. Pickleball, for its ease and accessibility of play. Alzheimer’s, for its widespread impact with currently 7 million Americans diagnosed with the disease. It’s a likely match up that met up on June 22^nd, turning The Longest Day into a smashing fundraiser to support Alzheimer’s care and research.

Three organizations banded together for the inaugural event: Charter of White House (Assisted Living and Memory Care facility), Gentiva Hospice, and Summer Crest Tennis Club. 

Brooke Biggerstaff, Memory Care Director for Charter, says, “The reason we chose a pickleball tournament is because of how popular it has become within the past couple of years. We wanted to provide a fundraiser that people could remember and would come to again.”

The tournament was held at Summer Crest Tennis Club in Greenbrier, a site punctuated by four dedicated pickleball courts. The facility’s operational manager, Rick Green, was eager to support such a worthy cause, contracting out the pickleball courts strictly for the event.

All 3 organizations involved fundraised. Charter and Gentiva Hospice provided water and t-shirts for participants. Rick lent his expertise in creating the bracket and training volunteers to run the bracket. “It was a super good event,” Rick recalls, “We had 12 teams playing on that very hot day, which we felt really good about.”  

Tara Grimmett, Gentiva Hospice’s Care Consultant, agrees, “The Smash Out Alzheimer’s Pickleball Tournament was a huge success, thanks to the joint efforts of Summer Crest, Charter of White House, and Gentiva. Everyone enjoyed the spirited competition while contributing to a worthy cause.”  

Supporting The Longest Day initiative was the event’s goal. Tara says, “We were able to raise significant awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care and research and are excited to make this a yearly event.” 

“It was a really heartwarming experience to watch people in the community come together to graciously donate to a foundation that means so much to us and have fun while doing it,” Brooke added.

Want to be part of the fun? Be sure to follow Summer Crest Tennis Club, Charter of White House, and Gentiva for future events.

For more information about Summer Crest Tennis Club, including info on their open play pickleball courts, visit www.summercresttennis.org