United Way hosts pickleball tournament fundraiser

From rallying on the courts to rallying for students, this tournament served more than just competition.

The pickleball event was held Sept. 27 by United Way's Emerging Leaders Society. The doubles tournament drew pickleball lovers for a day of games, free food and community impact.

"With this pickleball fundraiser, what we are doing here is we are really trying to help people connect and give back to our community centers," said Aryn Jones, a Corporate Advisor for United Way.

Every dollar raised went to United Way's community centers in Payson, Provo and American Fork.

These are places where kids build friendships, discover a love of learning and find support to succeed in school.

"I've seen firsthand how the community centers, especially, have blessed families and have become a kind of place where people can gather and make connections. So that's why I came to support that," said Eliza Hedquist, an attendee.

Beyond every rally, there was a bigger purpose: helping United Way's community centers give kids opportunities to thrive.

"I'm very happy with my own personal donations and donating with my team, and so I'm happy that that money goes to helping local children and kind of help the rising generations," said Kai Kamae, an attendee.

When competition meets community, everyone scores.