Elonthon hosted its semesterly pickleball tournament in Elon’s South Campus Gym on Feb. 28. The event was more than just a competition — it also supported a larger cause.
Elonthon operates under the motto “Kids Can’t Wait.” The organization hosts events throughout the year to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network in partnership with Duke Children’s Hospital.
Participants paid $10 to play and were divided into two skill-based brackets. All proceeds went toward the cause.
Elon sophomore Caroline Huber signed up to compete and said the tournament was a great way to spend time with friends, stay active and give back to the community.
“This has been one of my favorite Saturday mornings I’ve spent here,” Huber said. “There’s some amazing people here, but there’s room for so many more to come.”
Elonthon members said it was rewarding to see strong support from students, like Andrea Perez, Elonthon’s vice president of operations. She said she was drawn to the organization because of the connections she has built with the families it supports.
“Duke Children’s Hospital is right nearby, and there are a bunch of families who go there and are going through things that we are really not aware of,” Perez said. “Coming to our events, supporting, fundraising and raising awareness allows us to connect to our greater community.”
The organization hosts similar events throughout the semester, with their Elonthon Dance Marathon scheduled for April 11th.