Hoping to capitalize on the sport’s growing popularity, the Broward College Foundation hosts the inaugural Broward College Pickleball Challenge. This event is designed for players of all levels who are passionate about the game and eager to support student success initiatives at Broward College. All funds raised from the tournament will provide scholarships, educational programs and student resources to help the students at Broward College.
The Broward College Pickleball Challenge is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6 at the Diadem Pickleball Complex, at the Broward College North Campus, 1000 Coconut Creek Blvd. in Coconut Creek. The event will include participation from as many as 60 teams and 120 players.
“We are so thrilled to host what will be an exciting tournament that is open to pickleball players at all levels,” says Nancy Botero, Chief of Staff for the Broward College Foundation. “We appreciate our enthusiastic committee who are dedicated to supporting our students and are thankful to the players who will join us for this fun, competitive challenge. We are especially grateful to our early sponsors, J.P. Morgan Private Bank and Holy Cross Health, and we hope that many others will join in to support this fundraising event.”
The Pickleball Challenge is a unique opportunity to celebrate the 64th anniversary of Broward College’s founding. Back on Sept. 6, 1960, the Junior College of Broward County first opened its doors to 701 students. At the time, the college had a faculty of 28 and only 19 staffers, and classes were conducted at the former Naval Air Station Junior High. Since then, Broward College has grown significantly and is now recognized as one of the nation’s largest and most esteemed institutions. It is known for its dedication to excellence and its commitment to serving diverse communities. The college serves over 56,000 students annually and has a faculty and staff of more than 4,000.
“One of my co-chairs, Ali Murphy, and I have primarily focused our philanthropic efforts in Palm Beach County, but as soon as we met the Broward College Foundation team and learned more about the tremendous impact they have on students, we knew we had to get involved,” says Amy Murphy, a co-chair of the Broward College Pickleball Challenge. “We’re so excited to debut the inaugural pickleball challenge and introduce the Broward College Foundation to an entirely new audience. If you haven’t signed up yet, you should do so soon.”
Every player will have plenty of playing time in the round-robin tournament format, competing against others in their division based on skill level. Refreshments will be available throughout the day, and the event will conclude with an awards presentation.
“I advocate for two things, education and pickleball, so naturally I was all in, and I am thrilled to support Broward College Foundation’s newest endeavor,” says Jonathan Keith, Global Real Estate Advisor with Team JK at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty and a co-chair of the
Broward College Pickleball Challenge. “I have the utmost respect for Broward College and everyone who works at the Foundation, and I’m honored to help support this vital educational resource in our community.”
To register for the Broward College Pickleball Challenge, visit giving.broward.edu/pickleball. An individual player costs $200 and sponsorships start at $1,500. For additional information, please contact Elisa Stone at 954-201-7493 or estone1@broward.edu.
