Center for Hospice Care (CHC) partnered with the Michiana Pickleball Club on September 14 to host a charity pickleball tournament at Central Park in Mishawaka, Indiana. The event attracted over 90 participants and raised funds to support the hospice's mission of providing compassionate care to those with serious, advanced illnesses. The tournament featured various levels of play, and all ages were welcomed onto the court to compete while supporting a worthy cause.
Robert "Red" Fisher, events manager at Center for Hospice Care, expressed gratitude and pride in the organization’s mission during the charity pickleball tournament.
“The Michiana Pickleball Club graciously helped us out with this event, and it supports not only our general hospice patients but also our bereavement and education programs,” Fisher said. “Our bereavement programs are free to the public, even for those who aren't directly connected to hospice. Events like this are crucial to maintaining those services."
CHC is dedicated to providing care to anyone eligible for their services, regardless of their ability to pay.
Fisher highlighted the critical role of staff, including nurses, doctors, and social workers, in supporting individuals and families during their most challenging times.
“Center for Hospice Care and the Hospice Foundation cannot do what we do without volunteers and the support of the community,” Fisher said. “We have many volunteers here today, not only from our side but also from Michiana Pickleball, helping run this event. The people who come to support, and pay to play a game, all help us continue our mission."
The Michiana Pickleball Club is known for hosting several major tournaments throughout the year, balancing events that raise funds for the club with charity tournaments. Nick Falletta, president of the Michiana Pickleball Club has partnered with many charities, using pickleball to bring the community together to support several causes.
"It's great to partner with Center for Hospice Care. We host a couple of major tournaments each year as fundraisers for the club and this is our last one for the year,” Falletta said. “We've recently supported the Boys and Girls Club, donating a check for $4,300, and this event should raise around the same amount."
Falletta has been involved in promoting pickleball in the Michiana area for eight years. The club, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, relies entirely on volunteers and has a membership of 779 people ranging in age from 12 to 84. Falletta explained that the club's mission is to promote pickleball and encourage good health for all its players.
Paul Wasowski, a board member of the Michiana Pickleball Club, shared his excitement about the tournament and the opportunity to support such an important cause.
"The game itself is fun, but it's also about the people you meet and befriend through pickleball," Wasowski said. "Getting together for a common cause, like supporting Center for Hospice Care, is an amazing experience. It’s nice to play a part in helping them in such a big way."
The tournament was not only a competitive event but also an opportunity for participants to enjoy a widely loved sport.
"I've met more people playing pickleball in the last seven years than I did in the 78 years before that,” Falletta said. “You can show up any weekday, put your paddle in the rack, and you'll be on the court with three people you've never met."
This charity pickleball tournament served as more than just a game. It was an opportunity for the community to come together, support Center for Hospice Care, and make a difference in the lives of those in need. With the success of this event, both the Michiana Pickleball Club and Center for Hospice Care look forward to continuing this partnership in the years to come.
To learn more about Center for Hospice Care click here: cfhcare.org/