2026 Picklepalooza
Posted on July 4, 2026 by Ching under Community, Pickleball.
This year’s Picklepalooza fundraiser for Senior Services of Wichita and the Wichita Cancer Foundation took place on Friday, June 5, at Chicken N Pickle—where it’s always held.
Since my usual partner, Chris Wilson, was out of town, I recruited Denver Smith to play with me. Last year I teamed up with Zach Nguyen for the same reason, but he was unavailable this year as well. Denver had played the event with another friend last year and really enjoyed it, so asking him to partner up seemed like an easy choice.
A few months later, though, my plans started to unravel. Ongoing back issues forced me to withdraw from several tournaments, and by the week of Picklepalooza I was already questioning whether I could compete. Then came my ER visit that Tuesday, which was the tipping point. I texted Denver and told him to find another partner because I wasn’t confident I’d be able to play.
Ironically, after IV fluids, a blood transfusion, and a handful of medications, I felt remarkably good over the next few days and probably could have played after all. But everything worked out for the best. Denver teamed up with Sam Adedire instead—and they went on to win the competitive division. Honestly, I’m not sure we would have won it if I’d been on the court.
Denver and Sam in action; and with Denver’s dad in the photo above.
And winning it all.
Here are some more fun pics from the event..
Awesome volunteers checking players and guests in for the event.
Mom and dad watched last year but got to play in beginner division this year.
We got to enjoy a delicious lunch at the “Be Amazing” room.
So grateful for the opportunity to be involved with this event, even though I didn’t get to play this year. Hoping to be part of it again and actually play next year.
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