Pickleball star Collin Johns headlines inaugural ‘Pickle with a Purpose’ fundraiser at Aspen Meadows

Led by star athlete and instructor Collin Johns, some of the top pickleball players in the world will converge in Aspen on Thursday, July 17, for the inaugural “Pickle with a Purpose” fundraiser at Aspen Meadows.

The exclusive tournament, which is open to the public and could include entrants playing alongside or against a handful of top-ranked professional players, will raise funds for “two of the nation’s most impactful child welfare organizations” in Florida’s Children First (FCF) and the Youth Law Center (YLC).

The event is co-hosted by nationally renowned children’s rights attorney Howard Talenfeld, board member of YLC and founder of FCF, and his wife, Julie Talenfeld, CEO of BoardroomPR.

“This isn’t just a tournament — it’s a call to action for the rights and futures of thousands of foster youth across America,” said Howard Talenfeld, who also heads the Justice for Kids division at Kelley Kronenberg, an award-winning, multi-practice national law firm, in a news release.

Entry into the tournament is $300 — the limited spots are expected to sell out — with sponsorship opportunities beginning at $2,500. A VIP dinner with Johns at Aspen Highlands is part of the sponsorship deals.

“‘Pickle with a Purpose’ is about giving these kids more than just a second chance — it’s about giving them a fighting chance,” said Joy Singleton, the board chair for the Youth Law Center, in the release.

The event is also presented in partnership with Cascade Tennis Racquet Sports, operators of the courts at Aspen Meadows and hosts of last year’s “Pickle ‘n Pucks” event on National Pickleball Day that was televised by ESPN.

The registration deadline is Tuesday, July 15. For more, visit ylc.org/pickle-with-a-purpose.