Rainbows for All Children will recognize Children’s Grief Awareness Day with Paddles for Rainbows, a pickleball tournament and community fundraiser benefiting children facing grief, trauma and loss, on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at DINX Social Club, 1931 Skokie Valley Rd. in Highland Park.
The event comes as millions of children across the country navigate significant loss and family transitions. One in 11 children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling before age 18, while nearly one in three children will experience parental divorce before turning 18. Research has also found that depression is more common among bereaved children, particularly within the first two years following a loss, compared with non-bereaved children. Additionally, up to 25% of children whose parents divorce experience ongoing emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Paddles for Rainbows will bring together players and spectators for an evening of friendly competition while raising funds to support Rainbows for All Children and its programs for children and teens navigating grief and significant life transitions.
The tournament will feature 30 doubles teams competing across two skill-level brackets, with each team guaranteed a minimum of four games. The evening is also designed for guests who aren’t competing, with spectators invited to cheer on participating teams while enjoying catered dinner and drinks, mini pickleball skill games, raffle prizes and more. Each player and spectator ticket includes two drink tickets, catered dinner, a swag bag, access to raffle prizes and mini games.
All proceeds from Paddles for Rainbows will support Rainbows for All Children and its programs serving children facing grief, trauma or loss.
Paddles for Rainbows
Thursday, November 19, 2026
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
DINX Social Club | 1931 Skokie Valley Rd., Highland Park, IL
For event information and registration, visit www.rainbows.org. Those interested in sponsoring Paddles for Rainbows can contact Colleen.Havey@rainbows.org.