Huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Autism Arts & Athletics Foundation's annual fundraiser on September 27, 2024.
Laugh Off All Your Pickleball!™ was a complete blast. Watch the highlights video below!
DINKS MEET LAUGHS!
Laugh Off All Your Pickleball!™ is a round-robin pickleball tournament open to players of all skill levels, hosted by celebrity comedians and expert pickleball players. With serious play, "dink challenges," exhibition matches with the comedians, and more, the unique pickleball experience provides an enjoyable opportunity to interact with the social and competitive aspects of the sport. Then, later in the evening, the comedians present a world-class stand-up comedy show for players and their guests. Laugh Off All Your Pickleball!™ is a unique event that combines stand-up comedy, one of America's favorite past times, with the fastest-growing sport in the country. Veteran comedy producer Lisa Pidge, who is also a certified professional pickleball coach through the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), created the event.
This year's tournament was held at the Airport Health Club in Sonoma County's wine country, and Balletto Vineyards hosted the comedy show afterward. Headliner Comedians Trish Suhr and Erin Foley, who were the main acts of the day, left the audience rolling with laughs on and off the courts. And, Rachel Reset, the event's mascot was a hoot! We're still reflecting on the incredible time we spent together. The foundation is appreciative of everyone who helped raise the money needed for their goals.
BIG thank you to the tournament's Gold Sponsors:
BALLETTO VINEYARDS, SELKIRK: We Are Pickleball, HILTON GARDEN INN SONOMA COUNTY AIRPORT AND REYFF ELECTRIC.
Grateful for these awesome businesses who donated items to the raffle: Santa Rosa Growlers Hockey, Estate Yountville, Salt and Stone Restaurant, Idle Cellars, Wooden Petal Bakery, Biloba Brands, Deerfield Ranch Winery, Colagrossi Wines, Smith-Devereaux Wines, Grapeseed Wine Collection, Dr. David Field Acupuncture, St Annes' Crossing Winery, Ken Pischer, Jay's Engraving, Buena Vista Winery
And, special thank you to Second Wind Printing!
We're happy to report that the event raised slightly more than $5,500!
Funds raised will support 2025 programming for the Autism Arts & Athletics Foundation; they'll be able to:
Every dollar donated helped plant the seeds of youth empowerment and good change. In addition, a Facebook page called Sonoma County Autism Parents was set up, where parents may post questions, look for guidance, and make new connections. Together, we can create lasting change!
To everyone who attended: Thank you for your support and thoughtfulness. Thank you for caring, thank you for believing, and thank you for joining in the quest to bring joy to children in the autism community.
Laugh Off All Your Pickleball!™ was a complete blast. Watch the highlights video below!
DINKS MEET LAUGHS!
Laugh Off All Your Pickleball!™ is a round-robin pickleball tournament open to players of all skill levels, hosted by celebrity comedians and expert pickleball players. With serious play, "dink challenges," exhibition matches with the comedians, and more, the unique pickleball experience provides an enjoyable opportunity to interact with the social and competitive aspects of the sport. Then, later in the evening, the comedians present a world-class stand-up comedy show for players and their guests. Laugh Off All Your Pickleball!™ is a unique event that combines stand-up comedy, one of America's favorite past times, with the fastest-growing sport in the country. Veteran comedy producer Lisa Pidge, who is also a certified professional pickleball coach through the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), created the event.
This year's tournament was held at the Airport Health Club in Sonoma County's wine country, and Balletto Vineyards hosted the comedy show afterward. Headliner Comedians Trish Suhr and Erin Foley, who were the main acts of the day, left the audience rolling with laughs on and off the courts. And, Rachel Reset, the event's mascot was a hoot! We're still reflecting on the incredible time we spent together. The foundation is appreciative of everyone who helped raise the money needed for their goals.
BIG thank you to the tournament's Gold Sponsors:
BALLETTO VINEYARDS, SELKIRK: We Are Pickleball, HILTON GARDEN INN SONOMA COUNTY AIRPORT AND REYFF ELECTRIC.
Grateful for these awesome businesses who donated items to the raffle: Santa Rosa Growlers Hockey, Estate Yountville, Salt and Stone Restaurant, Idle Cellars, Wooden Petal Bakery, Biloba Brands, Deerfield Ranch Winery, Colagrossi Wines, Smith-Devereaux Wines, Grapeseed Wine Collection, Dr. David Field Acupuncture, St Annes' Crossing Winery, Ken Pischer, Jay's Engraving, Buena Vista Winery
And, special thank you to Second Wind Printing!
We're happy to report that the event raised slightly more than $5,500!
Funds raised will support 2025 programming for the Autism Arts & Athletics Foundation; they'll be able to:
- Offer a weekly painting class in January, February, and March.
- Host a night for the kids at a local trampoline gym during Autism Awareness Month in April
- Enhance their pickleball kids program next year!
Every dollar donated helped plant the seeds of youth empowerment and good change. In addition, a Facebook page called Sonoma County Autism Parents was set up, where parents may post questions, look for guidance, and make new connections. Together, we can create lasting change!
To everyone who attended: Thank you for your support and thoughtfulness. Thank you for caring, thank you for believing, and thank you for joining in the quest to bring joy to children in the autism community.
The Autism Arts & Athletics Foundation is a 501(c)(3) registered tax-exempt public charity whose mission is to create joyful experiences for children in the autism community. We can all work together to support and uplift children in the autism community; your support can help fan the flame of possibility.