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The 1st Annual South Pasadena Pickleball Tournament was a great success! The event raised over $2,500 to benefit the South Pasadena High School Wellness Center.
The first-ever South Pasadena Pickleball Tournament took place this past Saturday and it was a hit! The South Pasadena community came together in full force to support this event, and the results exceeded all expectations.
Organized by Michele Pusateri from South Pasadena Pickleball and hosted by the South Pasadena Dudes and Kiwanis Club, 40 local Pickleball enthusiasts and plenty of spectators gathered at the Orange Grove Park courts for a fun-filled tournament with thrilling matches, raffles, and most importantly, a strong sense of community purpose. The tournament showcased the growing popularity of pickleball in South Pasadena, and the commitment of its residents to raise money for local schools that make a positive impact.
South Pasadena residents, Michael Noe and Paul Kikuchi were declared champions after 4 regular rounds and a 5th round for 8 finalists.
11th-grade student Sienna Drake who serves as the Associated Student Body Health and Wellness officer at the South Pasadena High School thanked the crowd for donating funds for the Wellness Center which provides comfort and support for students.
Players and spectators enjoyed tacos, beer, and wine served at the nearby Morrow and Holman lot.
Major sponsors included the South Pasadena Dudes; Kiwanis Club of South Pasadena; Stephen McAlpin of L.34 Real Estate Group; the California BLQK Bears Major League Pickleball team and its owner, Ritchie Tuazon; Ellen Silkscreening; and Morrow and Holman Plumbing.
Many thanks to our local businesses that contributed generous gift certificates for the raffle: Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza, Aro Latin, Twohey’s Restaurant, Lost Parrot Cafe, Hi-Life Burgers, and Calibrate Grooming.
See you next year South Pasadena Pickleballers!
