Center for Family Services plans Palm Beach pickleball fundraiser

The Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County will host Paddles for a Purpose on Sept. 25 at Replay in Boynton Beach to raise money for behavioral health services and family support programs. The charity pickleball tournament will include players, spectators and community sponsors, with all proceeds going to the nonprofit.

Why it matters: - The event will raise funds for behavioral health services and family support programs in Palm Beach County. - Pickleball is being used as a community fundraiser to connect players, supporters and local businesses around a shared cause. - All proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County.

What happened: - The Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County will present Paddles for a Purpose, a charity pickleball tournament, on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. - The event will take place at Replay, 6600 High Ridge Road, Boynton Beach, Florida. - Registration begins at 9 a.m., and play begins at 10 a.m. - The Center is hosting the event with the Palm Beach Royals, the local Palm Beach Pro Pickleball team. - Copperpoint Brewing Co. is the exclusive beverage sponsor. - Event chairs are Gracie Harbinson, former Miss Palm Beach USA and founder of Schilling Social, and her husband, Australian professional golfer Brody Harbinson.

The details: - Player registration options include individual entry, doubles entry and a league package. - Spectator tickets are available and include food, two adult beverage tickets, tournament viewing and chance drawings. - Razorback Electric is sponsoring the paddle bag. - All players will receive a goody bag. - Goody bag partners include Jade Dental, Smash House Burgers, PuraVida Chiropractic and Wellness, and Applied Nutrition. - Todd L’Herrou, CEO of the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County Inc., said the event was created because pickleball combines community, connection and physical activity, which he called pillars of good mental health. - More information is available here.

Between the lines: - The fundraiser pairs a fast-growing recreational sport with a local nonprofit mission, which can broaden donor participation beyond traditional charity events. - The sponsorship mix suggests the event is leaning on local business partnerships to boost turnout and offset event costs. - The format gives the Center multiple ways to engage supporters, from competitive players to spectators and sponsors.

What's next: - The Center for Family Services will move ahead with event registration and sponsorship activation before the Sept. 25 tournament. - Tournament-day participation will determine how much money the event raises for the nonprofit's programs. - The Center will likely use the event to build awareness for future fundraising and community outreach efforts.

The bottom line: - Paddles for a Purpose is designed to turn pickleball into direct support for local family and behavioral health services.