HUDSONVILLE, Mich. — Calling all pickleball enthusiasts!
Love Your Neighbor is hosting its second annual pickleball tournament fundraiser on Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 5535 School Avenue in Hudsonville.
The Hudsonville-based nonprofit provides community support services for families struggling to make ends meet in Hudsonville, Jenison, Grandville and parts of Ottawa and Kent counties.
Love Your Neighbor offers a year-long program for families to receive the education and critical resources they may need, such as groceries, gas and counseling.
The nonprofit also helps families connect with others who are struggling to give them a sense of community.
"We really believe that community can make a huge difference," said Kaitlin Verkaik, development director at Love Your Neighbor.
Verkaik said many families struggle in silence because they don't want to have to ask for help, so Love Your Neighbor works to try to fight that stigma with its programs.
"I think what sets us apart, actually, is that we believe in an asset-based approach rather than a need-based," Verkaik said. "So all that means is we're not ignoring need, but each person that comes to us, we are serving as a peer-to-peer, and saying, 'You can be part of this solution, and we can help you get back on your feet, but you have a lot to offer us as well.'"
She said they've had training on how to best serve people with dignity.
The pickleball tournament will be held on community courts, so all registration money and donations will directly benefit Love Your Neighbor.
It's a doubles tournament and the registration fee is $60 per team. You can register to play online or in person.
All skill levels are welcome but you must be 16 or older to participate.
There are men's, women's and mixed teams. Each team is guaranteed three games and the third game will start tournament play.
Check-in starts at 12:45 p.m. and games will begin at 1 p.m.
Players will be provided snacks and water and are encouraged to invite family and friends to come and watch at no additional charge. Food and game vendors will be at the tournament as well.
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