At the Paseo Club in Santa Clarita, paddles are swinging for a purpose. Each year, players gather for Paddle for the Battle, a pickleball tournament that brings a community together.
“A nonprofit charity for children with cancer, and we had a number of fundraisers over the years,” Sue Hoefflin, Founder of the Michael Hoefflin Foundation.
“A friend of mine was a big pickleball and so we decided we would try something different, and so four years ago. We started our first ‘Paddle for the Battle’, and she organized it,” said Hoefflin.
However, for many contenders, the tournament is both enjoyable and meaningful.
“For me, it’s a learning experience,” said Nicolas Coppage, a pickleball contender at the event.
“This is my second tournament. We’re doing okay. We’re trying, but also again it’s just for a great cause, right, for the fundraiser.”
And for the organizers, the inspiration is always close.
“Just those kids, if you look at all those faces on the fences, that’s what keeps us motivated,” said Hoefflin. “We have helped over 900 families over the years, so there’s just a big demand, and we are here to help as much as we can.”
