Paddles for a Purpose 2025

Event Overview: 

On Saturday, March 22nd, Carolina Youth Coalition’s Young Professionals Board will be hosting Paddles for a Purpose, an 18-team pickleball tournament that includes networking for all young professionals in attendance with proceeds benefiting CYC’s Persistence Program! Participants have the opportunity to play in the 18-team tournament, connect with current CYC mentors & fellows, and network with other young professionals!

WHY IT MATTERS:

Nearly 90% of CYC “Fellows” are first-generation college students. While getting into college is certainly an accomplishment, there are myriad barriers and obstacles that can derail first-generation and low-income college students from persisting through college and earning a degree. 

This is where CYC’s Persistence Program steps in! Our holistic support follows "Fellows" from the time they make their college decision through all four years of college with support such as assistance with travel to and from school, technology, dorm room supplies and other educational expenses, as well as connection to career development and internship opportunities. 

Have lots of fun and help CYC ensure our Fellows have what they need to graduate on time and be ready to enter the workforce!

 Get Involved: 

• Register as a two-person team to compete in the 18-team tournament 

• Connect with CYC mentors to learn about mentor opportunities 

• Learn about other volunteer opportunities and meet current Fellows

• Use a peer-to-peer fundraising page to encourage others to give!

Event Details

📍 Location: Tipsy Pickle

🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm

Event Schedule: 

• 9:00 am: Registration Open

• 9:30 am Welcome/Tournament Begins 

  • Non-players can watch matches and enjoy amenities such as a golf simulator and puttin'

• 12:30 pm Tournament and raffle winners announced 

• 1:00 pm: Event Ends

 Pricing:

• $40 Basic Ticket

  • Food and beverages

  • Swag bag

  • Raffle prizes

• $90 Per Team for Tournament Participation

  • Tournament play

  • Food and beverages 

  • Swag bag 

  • Opportunity to win prizes!

About Carolina Youth Coalition

Carolina Youth Coalition's (“CYC”) mission is to nurture and propel high-achieving, under-resourced students to and through college. CYC prepares Fellows to enter, excel in, and graduate from college so they can be full participants in society.  A college education is critical to one’s long-term financial security, yet many students and families face significant social, academic, and financial barriers to college success. CYC empowers Fellows with the right tools and a strong support network to spark lasting generational change through higher education and develop into the next generation of leaders, innovators, and advocates for others. Additional information about CYC’s mentor programs and the CYC YP Board can be found below:

CYC Mentoring Opportunities: Volunteer | Carolina Youth Coalition

CYC YP Board: YP | Carolina Youth Coalition