Make-A-Wish Paddles for Wishes Pickleball Tournament Coming to Cornelius November 15

A little friendly competition on the pickleball court will help make wishes come true this November in Cornelius.

The Make-A-Wish Paddles for Wishes Pickleball Tournament is coming to The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. The fundraising event will bring players together for an afternoon of pickleball, community connections and support for Make-A-Wish Central and Western North Carolina.

The tournament costs $50 per person, with 100% of entry fees, auction bids and sponsorship fees benefiting Make-A-Wish Central and Western North Carolina, which helps grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Friendly Competition for a Great Cause

The tournament will feature doubles play in a round-robin format, followed by semifinal and final matches.

Participants will have access to paddles, balls and other sports equipment, so they won’t need to bring their own gear to take part.

Along with the matches, attendees can look forward to medals and prizes for winners, food and non-alcoholic beverages, swag bags and a silent auction.

The afternoon will also include an opportunity to hear from a Wish Mom, offering participants a personal perspective on the impact of Make-A-Wish and the families it serves.

Supporting Make-A-Wish in North Carolina

For families facing the challenges of a child’s critical illness, a wish can provide an opportunity for joy, hope and memorable experiences.

Through events like Paddles for Wishes, local businesses, players and community members can help support the organization’s mission while enjoying an activity that continues to bring people together around Lake Norman.

With every registration and auction bid contributing to the cause, the tournament offers a way for the Cornelius community to make a difference beyond the pickleball court.

How to Register

Registration is $50 per person, and all tournament play will take place at The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen, located at 20220 Chartown Drive in Cornelius.

Players can register through The Serve’s online booking platform by selecting the Paddles for Wishes tournament under Programs. Participants will need to create or sign in to a Play by Point account to complete registration.