Pickleball Tournament Raises $9,000 for Local Foodbank Effort

The Century Village East Pickleball Club marked another successful year of competition and community giving with its fourth annual tournament, held February 15, 2026, in Deerfield Beach.

The event brought together more than 160 players who competed across seven skill divisions, ranging from beginner to advanced. Designed as a recreational yet competitive tournament, the day featured more than 250 matches played between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with each participant guaranteed at least four games.

The tournament concluded with a medal ceremony recognizing top finishers, along with a drawing for door prizes. Nearly 30 volunteers contributed to organizing and running the event, helping ensure a smooth experience for players and attendees throughout the day.

Beyond the competition, the tournament continues to serve a larger purpose by supporting charitable efforts in the community. Since 2023, the event has benefited Gateway Community Outreach, a Broward County organization focused on assisting families in crisis, preventing homelessness, and helping individuals regain independence.

Thanks to the continued growth of the tournament, the Century Village East Pickleball Club has steadily increased its annual contributions. Donations have risen each year, from $2,500 in 2023 to $5,000 in 2024, $7,000 in 2025, and reaching $9,000 in 2026.

Organizers said the combination of strong participation and community support has helped expand both the reach of the tournament and its impact, making it a signature event within Century Village East.