An all-female organization in Greene County is hosting an inaugural fundraiser for their efforts to help women further their education.

Jean Van Gilder is with the P.E.O. Chapter CZ and they are having a “Pickleball With A Purpose” Tournament this Saturday at Russell Park. She says there will be two types of tournaments that are taking place on the tennis courts, including one for having fun and a competitive, up to 16 team group. Van Gilder points out proceeds from the entry fees goes to their $400 scholarship to a woman who graduated from high school, but took time away from higher education and is wanting to go to a post secondary school to better their education. She talks about why this scholarship started.

“Especially to find women who were thinking about going back to school or starting school in the first place after a time in the workforce. You know, it’s sometimes difficult to find the funding to get that done. So we try to encourage women that are going back to school, returning after a period away.”  

Van Gilder describes the reason why their non-profit organization chose to do a pickleball tournament as a fundraiser.

“Well it’s been kind of growing in popularity around Greene County. We’ve had a lot of people try it. The interest has been sparked about playing pickleball and it’s a fun game. You know I played tennis as a young person, never laughed like I do during pickleball. We enjoy it, we have a good time, nobody takes it terribly seriously. We hope a lot of people come on out and just see what it’s all about.” 

She adds that the two person teams pay $20 and play will begin at 9am. Van Gilder also invites anyone who wants to watch the sport to do so as well. Contact Van Gilder at 515-370-1414 or stop by the Greene County Community Center for a registration form.