Paddlestar Galactica, 826DC’s famed ping-pong tournament fundraiser is back…and this time, there’s also a pickleball option! Read on for everything you need to know about this year’s games and how to get involved.
About Paddlestar Galactica:
This year’s games will be Saturday, March 29th, 12:30 PM to 4 PM at Kraken (514 Rhode Island Ave NE.) 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 (like swapping your opponent’s paddle for a fly-swatter or showering them with ping-pong balls when they least expect it) on the big day.
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 we change our team name after we sign up?
Definitely.
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.
What’s happening and when?
- We’ll have an optional, drop-in practice on Wednesday, March 19th, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, at 826DC (3333 14th St NW)! Some people haven’t picked up a paddle in a while and find it helpful. There will be snacks.
- Paddlestar Galactica is Saturday, March 29th, 12:30 PM to 4 PM at Kraken (514 Rhode Island Ave NE).
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.
I have questions!
We have answers! Get in touch with Sarah at pingpong@826dc.org.