100% of Proceeds For the Desert Cancer Foundation
The Pink Pickle Ball Charity Event
Why Pink Pickle Ball?
Throughout our nation, millions of individuals are impacted by cancer and its lasting implications. Because of significant advances in medical care, developments, and treatments, many of these individuals have been able to combat their complications both effectively and efficiently. However, many impacted are unable to able to afford the burden of adequate cancer care. The Desert Cancer Foundation provides the opportunity of cancer care to thousands of impacted individuals throughout the Desert community and has allowed us to become a part of their journey. We are so thankful for everyone who has contributed to this cause through our event and the Desert Cancer foundation these past years. I know that with the support of the Desert Community, and so many motivated individuals, we are taking steps together in the right direction!
Much love sent to all,
Dilen Kakar
The Pink Pickle Ball Charity Event was held for the first time on November 19th of 2022, aimed at raising funds and awareness for the Desert Cancer Foundation (DCF). With the support of the Desert Community, the two individuals were able to raise just over $6500 for the foundation in their first year. About 25 teams participated and 60 individuals were present to rally around a common ideal: fighting against cancer. Various sponsors were able to contribute to this event, allowing for the event to grow faster as a whole. In 2023, Dilen and Fritz held the event for a second time, hoping to raise $10,000 for the foundation. With the support of the local community, donors, sponsors, and participants, the tournament was able to raise just over $20,000! Event exclusive T-shirts and bucket hats are able to be purchased to contribute to the fight against cancer. These past two years have brought the total amount of money raised by Dilen and Fritz to just over $26,500! 2024 will be a year to remember. Read our Desert Sun article about the 2023 event below!
To make a donation to the Desert Cancer Foundation and the 2024 Pink Pickle Ball Event, click below!
About
Welcome to the Pink Pickle Ball charity event for the Desert Cancer Foundation! 100% of all proceeds will be donated to the DCF in order to assist those who need our help most!
The Desert Cancer Foundation's mission is to pay for cancer care for local valley residents who need financial assistance with care and treatment. For individuals who cannot afford vital care, DCF’s program covers insurance deductibles, premiums, co-pays, co-insurance, and other costs associated with cancer and allied diseases.
We are overjoyed to be able to support this foundation and cause. Thank you to everyone who is joining us on this journey and we will see you on the courts! For more info about the DCF, visit desertcancerfoundation.org or text
760-773-6554!
Sponsors
We’re beyond appreciative for the companies and individuals that are sponsoring our event. Please continue reading for details on what our partners are doing to help us achieve our ambitious goals. If you’d like to learn more about our sponsors or how to join the list, don’t hesitate in reaching out. Email us a pinkpickleballevent@gmail.com, or just scroll down to 'Contact Us'
Sumo Dog
JEFFREY LUNAK • CHEF • OWNER • TOP DOG
Sumo Dog takes the American Classic hot dog and redefines it with Japanese ingredients, inspiration and tradition. It is the brainchild of Jeffrey Lunak, a veteran of “Iron Chef” Morimoto’s Restaurant Group. Sumo Dog explores the combinations of the American classic with a heavy nod to the Japanese Izakaya.
Who are we? We are the American band who just got back from touring Japan. We are the All-Star Baseball team who mastered Karate. We are both a dragon dipped in mustard, and an eagle topped with nori. We are all things stars, stripes and big red suns. And we are here to fill your belly, warm your soul, and make you smile.
Julie's Hallmark
Welcome home the minute you walk into Julie’s Hallmark.
To us, you are family. We pride ourselves in helping you find that perfect card or just right, unique gift to celebrate, honor, or thank the special people in your life. Our intention is that you leave feeling equally as special and important as those you came here for.
GRILL A BURGER
Welcome to hamburger heaven!
Featured with Guy Fieri on the Food Network's Diners, Drive Ins & Drives & voted top 5 burger joints in the USA by Tripadvisor reviews! We make our trendsetting burgers the old-fashioned way using only the finest and freshest ingredients available. With over 30 beef burgers, dozens of chicken & turkey burger choices, hand cut, never frozen french fries, fresh salads and creative hot dogs, we are sure to have something to please everyone. For over a decade, GRILL A BURGER has been providing high quality fresh food, excellent service & a few laughs each and every day! We believe in supporting local & national charities and being active members of our community.
Avalon Pharmacy
Medication done your way!
With over 400 five star google reviews Avalon Pharmacy has been the number one choice in the Hi-Desert for 34+ years! With convenient drive through, top quality customer service, and free delivery there is no doubt that Avalon has gained the support and respect of many. Run by USC alumni, Amit Kakar (Pharm. D.), the independent pharmacy has prospered and developed to become a local favorite.
Mission Hills
Community & Support
Mission Hills is a beautiful club home to three of the most prestigious golf courses in California. This private country club hosts many professional events and contains 31 tennis courts along with a vivid pickleball community. Thank you Mission Hills for your support!
Pete Carlson's
Stop by Pete’s today!
Since 1981, Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis shop has served the Coachella Valley residents and visitors with the best quality name brand merchandise. Celebrating 39 seasons in the desert, Pete Carlson’s has been a locals’ favorite for all golf & tennis needs.
Crown Pickle Ball
The Official Ball Sponsor of the Pink Pickle Ball Event
CROWN PICKLEBALL is THE best pickleball value in the game! Up your game with our tournament-grade balls! Shock people with enhanced top-spin and slice on your shots! Good for pro, intermediate or beginner! Our balls are engineered with industry-leading materials, seamless construction, and tested to sport standards. You will love our balls!
About the Event
This is Pink Pickle Ball charity tournament for the Desert Cancer Foundation! You will compete against other teams and individuals for a chance to win various prizes from our wonderful sponsors and contribute to a great cause! Below are the tournament details, please read 👇🏽
ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE IN PERSON OR VIA OUR ONLINE DONATION LINK:
https://desertcancerfoundation.org/event/pink-pickle-ball/
Check-in starts at 10:00 AM this year and please come prepared with a paddle. Water and snacks will be provided at the event location.
If you would like to register for this tournament, please fill out the RSVP form! All levels are welcome at the event!
Raffle Tickets will be sold for $5 at the event! These tickets will give you a chance to win various prizes from our sponsors!
If you would like to purchase an event EXCLUSIVE Pink Pickle Ball shirt, let either Dilen or Fritz know, or email the tournament email. All sizes are available. Must be notified about shirts 2 weeks prior to the event!
There will be lunch options, but we are currently figuring out the specific details. As we approach closer to the event, there will be definite items available
Tournament Format: Draw of 128, consolation will occur if enough players are available to play. Best of 3 sets to 11 points, win by 2.
Player Packages
Player packages are now available for purchase! Please read all the details for each
option before purchasing! Notify Dilen or Fritz if you require a refund or would like to make an extra donation.
$60.00
Gold (Doubles)
This is the STANDARD DOUBLES PACKAGE. The 'Gold' player package includes one tournament entry into the doubles division!
All levels are encouraged to play | If there are enough players, a consolation will occur
(ONE GOLD PLAYER PACKAGE ACCOUNTS FOR BOTH PLAYERS! ONLY ONE PURCHASE IS NECESSARY)
$135.00
Platinum (Doubles)
The 'Platinum' player package includes one tournament entry into the doubles division, two EXCLUSIVE pink pickle ball t-shirts, and 5 raffle tickets!
All levels are encouraged to play | If there are enough players, a consolation will occur
(ONE PLATINUM PLAYER PACKAGE ACCOUNTS FOR BOTH PLAYERS! ONLY ONE PURCHASE IS NECESSARY)
$300.00
VIP (Doubles)
The 'VIP' player package includes one tournament entry into the doubles division, two EXCLUSIVE pink pickle ball t-shirts, two EXCLUSIVE pink pickle ball bucket hats, and 10 raffle tickets!
All levels are encouraged to play | If there are enough players, a consolation will occur
(ONE VIP PLAYER PACKAGE ACCOUNTS FOR BOTH PLAYERS! ONLY ONE PURCHASE IS NECESSARY)
Team
Get to Know Us
Dilen Kakar
Co-founder of Pink Pickle Ball ~ Tournament Director ~ Class of 2025 at Palm Desert High School ~ Competitive Junior Tennis Player from Southern California ~ Desert Sun Male Tennis Player of the Year 2023 ~ Active member of the Desert community
Fritz Hergenhan
Co-Founder of Pink Pickle Ball ~ Tournament Director ~ Recent Graduate from the University of Oregon
Pink Pickle Ball 2022
We are happy to announce that Pink Pickle Ball 2022 was a huge success! Thanks to all of our participants, donors, and sponsors, we were able to raise over $6500 for the Desert Cancer Foundation! Dilen and Fritz are unbelievably grateful for all the support and we are expecting to make Pink Pickle Ball 2023 an event to remember! For now, enjoy the recap of our first annual Pink Pickle Ball event!
Pink Pickle Ball 2023
Pink Pickle Ball 2023 was an even BIGGER success than our inaugural event! Thanks to the help of our wonderful sponsors, donors, participants, and Desert Community, we were able to raise over $20,000 for the Desert Cancer Foundation! We are so excited for 2024, and Fritz and Dilen cannot wait to see you all on the court! For now, enjoy our photo recap of the 2023 event!
Contact us at...
We hope you’re able to attend. If you have questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out. Text us! We always respond!