Highland Park Pickleball Fundraiser To Mark Children’s Grief Awareness Day

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Highland Park will host a pickleball fundraiser this fall as Rainbows for All Children marks Children's Grief Awareness Day with an evening focused on supporting children and teens facing grief, trauma and loss.

Paddles for Rainbows is scheduled for Nov. 19, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at DINX Social Club, 1931 Skokie Valley Rd. in Highland Park.

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The event will raise money for programs serving children dealing with grief and major life transitions. Rainbows for All Children said the fundraiser comes as millions of children across the country experience significant loss and family changes. One in 11 children in the United States will experience the death of a parent or sibling before age 18, and nearly one in three children will experience parental divorce before turning 18, according to the organization.

The organization also cited research showing depression is more common among bereaved children, particularly within the first two years after a loss, compared with non-bereaved children. Up to 25 percent of children whose parents divorce experience ongoing emotional and behavioral difficulties, according to the data.

Paddles for Rainbows will include 30 doubles teams competing in two skill-level brackets, with each team guaranteed at least four games. Spectators will be able to watch the matches while enjoying catered dinner and drinks, mini pickleball skill games and raffle prizes.

Each player and spectator ticket includes two drink tickets, catered dinner, a swag bag, access to raffle prizes and mini games. All proceeds from the event will support Rainbows for All Children and its programs serving children facing grief, trauma or loss.

"Paddles for Rainbows gives our community a fun and meaningful way to come together on Children's Grief Awareness Day while helping ensure children and teens have access to the support they need when navigating grief and loss," said Stephanie Garrity, Executive Director of Rainbows for All Children.

People interested in attending or registering can visit www.rainbows.org for event information. Those interested in sponsoring Paddles for Rainbows can contact Colleen.Havey@rainbows.org.