Tucson's pickleball enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting event that promises to not only showcase their skills on the court but also make a meaningful impact on the local community. The Saguaro Slam Pickleball Tournament, set to take place on January 18, 2025, aims to raise funds for the Salvation Army Tucson Amphi Corps Community Center, which provides vital after-school programming and summer camps for children in need.

Rallying for a Cause: Pickleball Enthusiasts Unite to Support Tucson's Youth

Pickleball Craze Meets Community Outreach

The Saguaro Slam Pickleball Tournament is the brainchild of Ryan Maese, an avid pickleball player and a member of the Amphi Corps Advisory Council. Recognizing the growing popularity of the sport and the community's need for support, Maese and his team decided to capitalize on the "pickleball craze" to raise funds for the Salvation Army's initiatives."We were looking for something out of the box, and we put two and two together and thought, 'Let's capitalize on the pickleball craze,'" Maese explained. "People can play pickleball from ages 8 to 80 — everyone likes it, and it is very inclusive. We are seeing tournaments pop up throughout the city, so we thought it would be cool to try."

Transforming Lives Through Afterschool Programs and Summer Camps

The Salvation Army Tucson Amphi Corps Community Center, one of three local branches of the Salvation Army Tucson, is at the heart of this initiative. The community center, located at 218 E. Prince Road, offers a range of programs and services aimed at supporting the local youth."The Salvation Army really does 'boots-on-the-ground' work, feeding and clothing people and providing after-school programs and summer programs for kids," Maese said. "These are future business owners, community leaders, parents, doctors, nurses and lawyers. If we can help nurture them in a tough environment, all the better."The After School Program at the Amphi Corps Community Center provides care five days a week, with a van and bus picking up children from nearby schools. In addition to homework help, the program offers music, sports, recreation, and snacks. The community center also hosts free open gym time for neighborhood students every Wednesday. During the summer, similar programming is offered through the center's summer camps.

Inspiring Transformation and Building Confidence

Volunteer Donal Drayne, who has been a member of the Amphi Corps Advisory Council for over three decades, has witnessed the profound impact of the center's programs on the local children, many of whom come from single-parent households."We want to focus on the growth of the kids with our programs. We are their safe haven. We have to make them feel wanted and feel that they are important and we do that by building inner confidence," Drayne said.Drayne's dedication to the Amphi Corps is rooted in his belief that every individual has the potential to succeed, regardless of their background. He recounted the story of a former program participant who went on to graduate from the University of Arizona and later reconnected with Drayne in a business setting, crediting the Amphi Corps programs for shaping his life."He told me the formation of his life started at those After School Programs and now through his business, he is contributing to the community," Drayne said. "I want kids to leave with positive thoughts in their minds and realize that, 'Just because of my background, I shouldn't sell myself short.'"

Upgrading Facilities to Serve the Community

The Amphi Corps Community Center has recently undergone upgrades, including the opening of a new Splash Pad Park that features a splash pad, green turf game area, and a covered playground. These improvements are part of the center's efforts to become a true "community hub," according to Brent Church, who is co-captain of the Amphi Corps with his wife, Kristy."When we talk with community members and leaders and reach out to parents in the community, there is so much we want to expand upon what we do. … We have seen exponential growth in our programs," Church said.The Saguaro Slam Pickleball Tournament aims to raise at least $20,000 to support the Amphi Corps Community Center's ongoing initiatives, ensuring that the children in the neighborhood have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

A Call to Action: Volunteering and Donating to Make a Difference

Volunteer Donal Drayne encourages others to consider donating their time, talent, and treasure to the Salvation Army Amphi Corps or any other nonprofit organization of their choice."There are so many organizations doing so much good in the community and there is so much need out there," Drayne said. "Some people think, 'My help is not going to do much,' but we have to start somewhere. Young or old, everyone can do something to help mankind."Whether it's participating in the Saguaro Slam Pickleball Tournament, volunteering at the Amphi Corps Community Center, or supporting the Salvation Army's initiatives through financial contributions, every act of generosity can make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.