Aaron Gifford, a U.S. Army veteran who was dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder from serving in the first invasion of Iraq, found solace in playing pickleball with his twin sister, Kiley. In January 2018, he lost his battle with his mental health and took his own life. As a way of tribute and fundraising, his family held the first Aaron Gifford pickleball tournament just months after Aaron’s death.
Since then, each year in April, his family hosts the annual Aaron Gifford Pickleball Benefit. The 4th Annual Aaron Gifford Tournament was held this year. Take a look at a recap of this beautiful event and what to expect for next year.
2023 Aaron Gifford Benefit Pickleball Tournament Details
Dates and Broadcasting
The tournament took place from March 31st to April 2nd, 2023. Though it was not broadcasted nationally, a few members of the pickleball community uploaded highlights to YouTube.
Prize Money & Set Up
Since this tournament is a fundraiser, no prize money is given out. However, player registration did come with a free t-shirt to commemorate the event. All money raised, including registration fees, went to the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope and Mission 22.
Mesilla Valley Community of Hope is a Las Cruces local non-profit helping veterans seek assistance and fight veteran suicide. Mission 22 is a national organization dedicated to providing veterans with long-term wellness through various resources.
The Aaron Gifford tournament was sanctioned by the USA Pickleball Association and run by the tournament director, Cece Hunter. It was open to players ten and older with a 2.5 to 5.0 skill level. The tournament was played with both a Round Robin and a double-elimination format and only had doubles competition events. Divisions were separated into various skill levels and age groups.
Location
The 2023 tournament was held at Apodaca Park in Las Cruces, NM.
This new venue was a change from past years when the tournament was held at New Mexico State University Tennis Complex.
Aaron Gifford Pickleball Benefit Turnout
Every year, the benefit grows, increasing the amount they are able to raise. This year, though the exact number hasn’t been released, there were enough entrants to estimate that at least $10,000 was raised to support the two non-profit organizations.
In fact, over 220 pickleball players participated, hailing from not just all over New Mexico but from Texas, California, Arizona, and more. Several Pickleball Clubs were represented as well, and local businesses showed up to give their support and offer free services, like a physical therapist who was giving out free massages!
Highlights of the Aaron Gifford Pickleball Benefit
While there aren’t many results available online from the 2023 pickleball benefit event yet, we wanted to highlight some of the top performances from the 2022 tournament.
Men’s Doubles
In Men’s Doubles, several teams dominated their age groups and skill levels, including Brian Flowers & Little Monster Biffle, Marc Aguirre & Raul Hernandez, Mark McDowell & Les Bell, and Dean Goupil & Ron Wall.
Mixed Doubles
Little Monster Biffle also showed in a Mixed Doubles event, winning gold with partner Aves Durham. In the same event, Little Monster Biffle’s Men’s Doubles partner, Brian Flowers, took home Bronze with his partner Rachel Hughes. Other notable Mixed Doubles teams included Kelly Jenkins & Aaron Wiederstein, Abigail & Carlos Guardado, Lawanna & Patrick Quist, and Michiko Henmi & Wally Hill.
Women’s Doubles
Aves Durhan and Rachel Hughes, who medaled in Mixed Doubles events, also partnered to win a Women’s Doubles Event, and so did Lawanna Quist, who partnered with Sally Bower. Jill Sherman, Lina Rowse, Beverly Boozer, Carol Sherick, Cindy Carril, and Dorothy Robinson, among others, also had a winning day.
Preparing for 2024
The USA Pickleball Association will likely sanction next year’s event. Details start rolling out towards the end of the year to begin registration at the beginning of January 2024. If you missed this benefit this year, you’d want to keep an eye out because we have a feeling next year will be the best one yet!