Battle of the Paddles is Bethesda Project’s inaugural pickleball tournament and fundraiser! This widely popular game is accessible to all skill levels and is a fun way to build community and raise awareness for Bethesda Project, a nonprofit that provides shelter, housing, and services for unhoused adults. IMPORTANT! To secure a spot in the tournament, you must purchase a ticket. Creating a fundraising page alone does not secure you a spot in the tournament. REGISTRATION 1. To participate in the in-person tournament, you must register as an individual or a doubles team ($40 per participant) and set up a personal fundraising page. There will be an opportunity at registration check-out to list the name of your doubles partner - or you can contact us separately with their name at a later date. Individuals who would like to fundraise but do not wish to play in the in-person tournament may skip the registration fee and create a personal fundraising page. 2. Recruit your friends, family, and even your co-workers to join or support your fundraising page. Pro-tip: Write a social media post that shares why you're playing and invite your networks to join you. Be sure to tag @BethesdaProject! 3. Celebrate with us after the tournament at Triple Bottom Brewery for an informal happy hour! WHAT DOES MY REGISTRATION INCLUDE? • Participation in the tournament at Phield House • Use of free pickleball equipment • Branded Bethesda Project swag • Opportunity to win prizes! PEER-TO-PEER FUNDRAISING Help us meet our overall $30,000 fundraising goal for this event through peer-to-peer fundraising! Each participant is encouraged to raise a minimum of $200/person from their networks to assist Bethesda Project’s programs and services. You could donate $200 individually, or ask friends, family, colleagues or others in your network to contribute to your fundraising page. This could be asking 10 friends to donate $20 each, two friends to donate $100 each, or whatever combination that helps you meet or exceed the $200 goal! 100% of funds raised support Bethesda Project's programs and services. Need help fundraising? Check out our fundraising toolkit! HOW IT WORKS This round-robin, mixed-doubles style tournament will take place at Phield House, located at 814 Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia from 3-6 pm. Registration opens at 2:45pm. Arrive early to sign in and get some practice before we officially get started. You may register in advance as an individual or doubles team and there will be an opportunity to list the name of your doubles partner at check-out. Or you may also reach out directly to notify us of your doubles partner at a later date. Registered individuals who do not have a doubles partner by the day of the event will be assigned one. Teams will be selected to play each other, and the winning teams will advance to the next bracket until a final team is deemed the winner. All teams should expect to play at least one game in the tournament. We will supply all the equipment you need to play, or feel free to bring your own gear. Spectators are welcome to join in on the fun on a limited basis as space allows. PRIZES • 1st place team • 2nd place team • Top individual fundraiser • Most creative pickleball attire. With Halloween just a few weeks away, embrace the season by showing off your best retro, funny, or spooky pickleball attire! EVENT CONTACT INFO Emma Stern, Director of Development estern@bethesdaproject.org COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT Alison Houghton, Communications & Development Manager ahoughton@bethesdaproject.org