THRIVE & PURPOSE FOUNDATION PRESENTS

Paddles for Purpose Pickleball Classic

Play. Compete. Give Back.

Tournament Title Partner

Pickleball With Purpose

Finding a way to give back while staying active and connected to your community doesn’t have to be complicated.

The Paddles for Purpose Pickleball Classic brings together local businesses, players, and families for a high-energy day of competition and community engagement.

All proceeds support the ThriveCare Assistance Program, helping seniors in Kern County access essential medical care, medications, and transportation.

Pickleball Teams

expected attendees

indoor courts

EVENT FEATURES

Play in the Tournament
Compete in a team-based format with round robin play followed by bracket competition. All skill levels welcome.
CLICK TO REGISTER YOUR PICKLEBALL TEAM
Free Community Play supported by Our Sponsors
No experience needed. Our sponsors have made it possible for you to come learn, play, and enjoy the event with guided instruction and open play.
BECOME A SPONSOR FOR THE EVENT
Support a Local Cause
Your participation helps seniors overcome barriers to care, including medical costs, prescriptions, and transportation.
WANT TO SUPPORT? DONATE TODAY

August 29, 2026

TOURNAMENT

Details

  • Team format (4 players per team)
  • Round robin pool play + bracket elimination
  • Matches played to 11 (pool play) and 15 (bracket play)
  • All skill levels welcome

Proficiency Levels

Teams will be grouped based on skill level to ensure fair and competitive play:

  • Beginner (2.0–2.5)
  • Intermediate (3.0–3.5)
  • Advanced (4.0+)

What’s Included

  • Guaranteed tournament matches

  • Event t-shirts

  • Swag bags

  • Breakfast & lunch vouchers

  • Access to event activities and community play areas

New to pickleball? This is for you.

  • Free to attend and participate

  • Beginner-friendly instruction sessions

  • Equipment available for use

  • Family-friendly environment

Come experience the fastest-growing sport in the country in a fun, welcoming setting.

What to Expect

  • Competitive tournament play

  • Live championship matches

  • Food vendors and refreshments

  • Family-friendly activities

  • Community engagement and education

Why This Event Matters

Every day, seniors in our community face difficult choices between:

  • Medical care

  • Prescriptions

  • Basic living expenses

Your participation directly supports:

  • Financial assistance for medical expenses

  • Medication cost support and research

  • Transportation to critical appointments

Together, we are helping seniors stay connected to life-saving care.

WHAT'S HAPPENING ALL DAY

  • There is a lot going on beyond the courts.
  • Stop by the Wellness Lounge for a complimentary chair massage, a guided stretch session, or a Pilates demo. Adventist Health will be on site offering free health screenings and hands-on CPR training, which is genuinely worth twenty minutes of your morning.
  • Browse the vendor and community area to meet local businesses, grab a photo at the photo booth, and enter our raffle, which runs all day with prizes donated by businesses across Bakersfield. Cash or card accepted, and every dollar goes straight to the cause.
  • For families, we have kids activities, face painting, and adoptable puppies from Ellie’s House. Food vendors will be serving food all day. Bakersfield PD and the Fire Department will both be out with the community.

GIVE BLOOD, GET KERN COUNTY FAIR TICKETS

  • Here is the one thing we would most love your help with.
  • Houchin Community Blood Bank will be on site from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Our goal is 10 units of blood, which is enough to save 30 lives right here in our community, and we are working to fill all 24 available appointment slots.
  • Every successful donor receives a pair of tickets to the Kern County Fair, while supplies last.
  • Schedule your appointment here: https://connect.hcbb.com/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/8732
  • Please schedule rather than walking up. Appointments let the HCBB team manage wait times on the day, and they let us know ahead of time whether we are on track to hit our goal.

          Event Details

          Date

          August 29, 2026

          Time

          8:00am – 3:00pm 

          Location
          Dignity Health Sports Complex Managed by Gameday Sports Academy

          3101 Gilmore Ave Ste 100, Bakersfield, CA 93308

          Location

          Dignity Health Sports Complex Managed by Gameday Sports Academy

          3101 Gilmore Ave Ste 100, Bakersfield, CA 93308

           

           

          Contact

          [email protected]