Blue Ridge Mountain Rotary Hosts Inaugural Pickleball Fundraiser for Literary Volunteers

Rotarians, local players and volunteers filled the indoor courts at Cville Smash for a morning of competitive play and fundraising aimed at bolstering literacy services in the Charlottesville area. The tournament ran from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 30, with net proceeds designated for Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle (LVCA).

Organizers framed the event as the Rotary club’s first major fundraiser in years and as the start of a repeatable annual tournament to support local service projects. Heppner, a Rotarian who has volunteered as a tutor with LVCA along with his wife, said the club hopes to raise $25,000 to donate to LVCA and described the tournament as the club’s “first big endeavor in several years.” Heppner explained that pickleball was chosen because it has become “a way to socialize and meet others while getting some exercise,” particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. “We want our contributions to make a difference,” he said. “I think everybody wants to feel like they’re finding a place to get the most benefit to other for their donations.”

LVCA entered the fundraiser amid uncertainty over federal support. Now operating without the certainty of federal funding, Thomas said LVCA is looking for ways to pivot to ensure the organization’s stability moving forward. “This [event] will go a long way for sure,” she said. LVCA Executive Director Ellen Osborne has a history of visiting local service organizations to recruit volunteers, and the Rotary-LVCA relationship helped make the literacy nonprofit the tournament’s beneficiary.

Players registered individually or with partners, selected divisions, and were guaranteed three games apiece on the facility’s courts, with flights seeded based on experience and winners advancing to compete for trophies. Event copy promoted an optional Learn-to-Play session alongside giveaways, awards and raffles. Organizers promised a clean, efficient format and highlighted the event’s community-first messaging: “Play pickleball. Have fun. And make the world better. Join us for Rotary Pickleball.” The listing also noted: “You and your playing partner are guaranteed three games at the all-new indoor Cville Smash - win your flight and compete for the trophy. Flights will be seeded based on experience. Giveways. Awards. Raffles. And more!”

Local businesses and supporters were offered tiered sponsorship packages. Platinum sponsorship at $5,000 included team registration, a featured sign, mention in program and social media, an option to host a table or distribute literature, and prominent coverage. The VIP Room sponsor level at $2,500 included team registration, a featured sign, mention in program and social media, and an option to host a table or distribute literature. Court sponsors at $1,000 received a featured sign and mention in program and social media.

Organizers aim to establish the event as an annual fundraiser that channels community energy and "net proceeds" into LVCA programming. If the club meets its $25,000 target, those funds would go directly into LVCA services at a time when volunteer tutors and stable funding are crucial. Keep an eye on local Rotary and LVCA announcements for future tournaments, volunteer opportunities and sponsorship openings.