826DC’s famed ping-pong and pickleball tournament fundraiser is back and this year we’ve renamed Paddlestar Galactica to Paddle Palooza!
Read on for everything you need to know about this year’s games and how to get involved.
Same competitive spirit. Same big heart. New name, bigger vibes.
Paddle Palooza is our high-energy fundraising tournament featuring pickleball and ping-pong — all to support 826DC, a free youth writing program empowering young authors across DC.
Expect fun and friendly competition. Inspired by the bold energy of Marty Supreme, this isn’t just a tournament — it’s a competition for a cause.
And yes… you can pay to cheat.
When: Saturday, March 7th | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Kraken Kourts & Skates (514 Rhode Island Ave NE)
Who: Everyone! (Free drink tickets included for guests 21+)
Grab your paddle. Bring your crew!
Players have now until the tournament to raise as many donations as they can for 826DC. Those donations then count as points that can be used for offbeat cheats. Want to steal a point? Add one to your score? Throw your opponent delightfully off their game? Your donation can make it happen. Every strategic “cheat” fuels 826DC’s workshops, publishing projects, and writing programs for local students.
It’ll be an awesome, chaotic, wonderfully weird afternoon full of paddles, free drinks for those 21+, prizes, and costumes—all in support of quality writing education here in the District. We’d love to have you join us.
FAQ:
How do I fundraise?
When you sign up to participate, our giving platform will automatically make a fundraising page just for you! People will support you by donating through your page.
It’s ok if you haven’t fundraiser before. We’ll coach you through it, share helpful resources with you, and support you every step of the way.
Do I have to raise a certain amount?
No. There are no minimums; just raise what you can. One of our board members has also offered to match up to $15K of everyone’s donations, so what you raise will go twice as far!
What’s the deal with pickleball?
Paddlestar Galactica has always been a ping-pong tournament, but since this new venue also has pickleball courts, we’re adding pickleball as another option! It’s a choose-your-own-adventure situation.
Do I have to be good at ping-pong or pickleball?
Nope! There are always prizes like “Best Costume” that are up for grabs, regardless of skill level.
What’s the deal with teams?
If you choose to play with teammates, you’ll be able to purchase more cheats
with your combined fundraising powers. Most teams are 2-3 people, but your
team can be whatever size you like! Plenty of people also choose to roll solo.
Can I add teammates later?
Yes! Once you make a team page, your friends can join it anytime.
Can I make a Facebook fundraiser instead?
We’d rather you didn’t. Having everything in one spot—we use Classy’s fundraising system—makes it much easier for 826DC’s small staff to keep track of everything.
Where do I sign up?
- Visit give.826dc.org/paddlepalooza to sign up and learn more.
Can we change our team name after we sign up?
Definitely.
Want to get involved?
I’m in! I want to fundraise and play.
Amazing! Register a team here. We’ll follow up to help you get started.
I just want to watch.
That’s great too! The players definitely won’t get all of the fun. The crowd will get to pick some of the prize winners and can give their favorite teams a boost.
I’d like to donate/support a team!
Sensational! You can do that here.
Got a question?
Contact robyn@826dc.org