MI Rotary sponsors pickleball tourney fundraiser
Published 4:30 pm Monday, August 25, 2025
Special to the Reporter
On Aug. 22-24, the Rotary Club of Mercer Island sponsored its first pickleball tournament at Luther Burbank Park.
This year’s funds support The Scooty Fund, a nonprofit organization with a mission to support mental health and wellness in ways that enhance the lives and well-being of young people.
The event filled all eight courts in the park, attracted 222 players and featured 381 games. Rotarian Stuart Scarff managed the event and received support from fellow club members; and Pickleball is Great coordinated the tourney, which was cheered on by a “field” of spectators. Fifty-four two-player teams won gold, silver and bronze awards.
The club expresses gratitude for numerous contributors, including: Scarff Law Firm, The Crawlspace, Gallagher Co. Construction, Selkirk Sport, Toray: Advanced Composites, Banner Bank, Mercer Island Youth & Family Services, Island Books, Island Treats and Yuan Ru Gallery.
This “sold out” event is now expected to occur annually, replacing the club’s prior years of supporting the Mercer Island Half Marathon.
At least 25% of event net revenues are planned to go to The Scooty Fund, with the rest to fund Rotary’s efforts to support cancer research, housing and food security, clean water and other meaningful causes. Amounts were not available at press time.
