A group of students in Emporia State’s small group communication course will host a pickleball tournament on Wednesday, April 22 to raise funds for a Street Cats Club, an Emporia-based non-profit that aims to improve the lives of stay cats.
Founded in 2019, Street Cats Club helps control the overpopulation of stray cats in the Emporia area through its trap, neuter and return program and is involved in action, education and community outreach to support their mission, according to their website.
Tournament organizers junior Sarah Huffman and seniors Haley Hetrick and Gloria Jurado spoke to The Bulletin and shared insight into the planning process and goals behind the event.
Huffman noted that the group does not have a strict fundraising target, emphasizing that any money raised, whether through ticket sales or donations, directly benefits the cause. She hopes for a strong community turnout.
“I have learned how hard it is to plan an event. It takes serious work and dedication to plan regardless of if the event is successful or not,” she said.
The choice of pickleball was intentional, Huffman added, pointing to its rising popularity and seasonal appeal as warmer weather arrives. Jurado said the idea for the partnership with Street Cats Club came out of early group brainstorming and campus outreach.
“All the members of the group voiced ideas,” Jurado said. “I’m not sure who brought up Street Cats Club, but I had Victoria Partridge’s contact information and we went from there.”
Jurado said early registration and donations have been encouraging.
“Honestly I would be happy with anything we are able to help contribute,” Jurado said, noting the group was already close to $300 raised with several registrations in place. “They are a wonderful organization and more people should know about the services they provide.”
Along with competitive play across 12 courts, the tournament will feature prizes provided by Street Cats Club, including merchandise and gift cards, as well as opportunities for attendees to learn more about the Street Cats Club’s work. Aside from local spay-and neuter efforts, funds raised will support a traveling veterinary van that provides mass sterilization services throughout the Flint Hills region, said Hetrick.
The event will take place at Reeble Courts near Champions Landing. Participants can sign up as singles or doubles teams, with entry fees set at $10 per ESU student and $15 for community members. Donations will also be accepted through Monday, April 20, the final deadline for ticket purchases. Interested parties can sign up to participate or donate at this link. All proceeds raised will go to Street Cats Club and their mission.
