Pickleball tournament raises money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease

GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) – Competitors will play pickleball with a purpose this weekend.

The annual Making Memories Classic 2023 pickleball tournament is at Craig Park in Greenwood. The tournament runs from Friday to Sunday.

“The goal is to raise $25,000,” Laura Forbes, communications director for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana, said. “That money goes towards research, plus care and support for families.”

Last year, $36,000 was raised.

“We hope to beat that this year,” Dr. Isidore Mandelbaum, who lost both of his parents to dementia, a form of Alzheimer’s, said.

“Pickleball, played by over 5 million Americans of all ages and still growing in popularity, provides both an excellent workout and great social interaction.  So, I could not think of a better way to honor and memorialize my parents while raising money to fight Alzheimer’s Disease,” Mandelbaum said.

Appearances will be made by professional pickleball players Jade and Jackie Kawamoto. The twin sisters played tennis at Greenwood High School and the University of Dayton.

The tournament will feature Round Robin style play in a single elimination.

To donate click here.