About 70 Pickleballers came together to not only play but raise money to benefit the Brookdale Warming Center. On Saturday, July 24 Macon Pickleball hosted its first ever TAP OUT for the Homeless Pickleball event at Tattnall Square. Players paid $50 to enter the competition, and 100% of the proceeds went to the Brookdale Warming Center.

“Macon, like a lot of cities, has had a lot of difficulties helping people experiencing homelessness and facilitating their transition,” said County Tennis and Pickleball Manager Bobby Walker. “The Brookdale Warming Center is on the right track to help Macon be a better community for those who are in need.”

“I’m all about trying to help anybody out when we can. This is a great way not only to have fun but also to raise money for the Warming Center so they could be comfortable in the summer and the winter, and just help out the community in Macon to make it a better place to live,” said pickleball player Ellie Farriba.

Maconites were not the only ones who played; people from all over the state joined to support this cause, some driving several hours to Tattnall Square.

“Pickleball players have big hearts, I guess,” laughed Macon Pickleball Ambassador Paul Midkiff “They just want to help out and they want to have fun out here. We’re having a great time, but we are also doing great stuff.”

The event raised more than $5,000 which will go directly to the Brookdale Warming Center.

Congratulations to the Pickleball Winners!

Advanced (Team Event):

Maggie Midkiff Maddery

Mitchell Midkiff

Frank Pickering

Rose Caudle

Intermediate (Team Event):

John (JR) Roberts

Alex (Bear) Morrison

Lara Schu

Olivia Walter

Beginner (Round Robin):

Brent Orr

Don Wade

Kathryn Wade

Bonnie Smith