News & Blog

October 24–25 event brings the community together for three days of pickleball, fundraising, and breast cancer awareness

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., October 13, 2026 – Dill Dinkers St. Petersburg is teaming up with the American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF) for Paddles Up for Prevention, a two-day pickleball tournament taking place October 24–25 in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event will bring players and community supporters together to raise awareness and funds to help expand access to breast cancer early detection and education.

Building on the success of its inaugural Paddles Up for Prevention tournament in May, Dill Dinkers is once again combining the growing popularity of pickleball with an important community health initiative.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink. It’s about making sure people have access to the care they need,” said Megan Molloy, Executive Director of the American Breast Cancer Foundation. “Regular movement helps lower the risk of chronic disease, including breast cancer, but it works best alongside routine screening. When businesses like Dill Dinkers turn a sport like pickleball into an opportunity to give back, they help us reach individuals who might otherwise delay or go without critical breast health services. We’re grateful to Lisa and the entire St. Petersburg pickleball community for stepping up again.”

Registration is $65 per participant and includes a limited-edition water bottle and welcome kit. The weekend will also feature food, prizes and raffles, with proceeds benefiting ABCF’s initiatives to expand access to breast cancer early detection and education.

The tournament is open to spectators and the general public, with food, prizes and raffles throughout the weekend. Proceeds will benefit ABCF’s initiatives to expand access to breast cancer early detection and education.

“Pickleball has an incredible ability to bring people together, and we’re excited to use that energy to support such an important cause,” said Lisa Goettel, Owner of Dill Dinkers St. Petersburg. “After seeing the enthusiasm surrounding our May event, we wanted to create another opportunity for our players and the broader community to make a difference. Breast cancer touches so many lives, and this is one way we can help.”

For individuals without adequate health insurance or the financial resources to cover breast health services, the cost of care can be a significant obstacle. Through its Breast Cancer Assistance Program, ABCF provides financial assistance to eligible individuals seeking screening and diagnostic services.

The October tournament is part of ABCF’s broader From Awareness to Access initiative, encouraging individuals, businesses and community organizations to turn breast cancer awareness into tangible support for those facing barriers to care.

Event Details

• What: Paddles Up for Prevention Pickleball Tournament Benefiting ABCF
• When: October 24–25, 2026
• Where: Dill Dinkers St. Petersburg, 2000 34th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL
• Registration: $65 per participant, including a limited-edition water bottle and welcome kit
• Activities: Pickleball tournament, food, prizes and raffles
• Tournament Schedule and Divisions: Features men’s and women’s doubles competition on Saturday, followed by mixed doubles on Sunday. Divisions are organized by skill level, with the following schedule:
  • Saturday, October 24
    • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Men’s and Women’s Doubles, 3.0–3.5 and 4.0 divisions
      
    • 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Men’s and Women’s Doubles, 3.5+ divisions
  • Sunday, October 25
    
    • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Mixed Doubles, 3.0–3.5, 3.5–4.0 and 4.0+ divisions
    • Spectators: Open to general public spectators

    Register

About the American Breast Cancer Foundation

The American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, access and financial assistance to aid in the early detection, treatment and survival of breast cancer for uninsured and underserved individuals, regardless of age, race or gender. Through its programs, ABCF works to reduce financial barriers to breast health care and improve access to potentially life-saving services.

To learn more about breast cancer prevention and early detection, visit www.abcf.org.

About Dill Dinkers St. Petersburg

Dill Dinkers St. Petersburg is an indoor pickleball club offering courts, organized play, instruction and events for players of varying skill levels. The club is committed to creating a welcoming environment where players can connect, compete and build community through pickleball.

Media Contact

Katherine Machado
The Oxîgeno Project
973-753-0488
katherine@oxigenoproject.com