The second annual Smoothie King Crown Cup Pickleball Tournament, held on April 5, raised $50,000, bringing together athletes, businesses and community members in support of at-risk youth in Jacksonville’s urban core. Proceeds raised at the tournament will provide essential funds for the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation (MWYF).
The foundation is dedicated to empowering underserved Jacksonville youth from kindergarten through high school graduation. The funds raised will support MWYF programs, which provide life skills, academic enrichment, tennis instruction and scholarship opportunities. MWYF ensures students have the resources they need to become contributing members of society after high school.
“Seeing so many people come together as players, sponsors or spectators to support our students while having a blast reminds me of the greater impact we have together,” said MaliVai Washington, founder of MWYF. “Their contributions will make a real and lasting impact on the lives of the young people we serve.”
The tournament featured multiple divisions for players in men’s and women's doubles and mixed doubles, ranging from 3.0 to 4.5 skill levels. Participants enjoyed a festival-like atmosphere with sponsors/vendors DJ Hollywood, StretchLab Mandarin and Smoothie King.
Smoothie King, the event’s title sponsor, played a crucial role in the event’s success.
“We are honored to support MWYF and the incredible work they do for local youth,” said Jacksonville Smoothie King franchise partner Jason Luther. “This tournament was about coming together as a community to make a difference.”
