The Television Academy Foundation today announced $100,000 was raised at the 2025 Emmys Pickleball Slam — benefiting the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter's Fund (WODFF) and the Foundation's renowned education programs — held yesterday, Sunday, May 18, at the Calabasas Pickleball Club, in Calabasas, California.
Television stars, sports luminaries, entertainment industry executives, Television Academy leadership and firefighters teamed up for the all-day doubles tournament.
See a photo gallery from the event.
Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race) hosted the event that included Da'Vinchi (Black Mafia Family), Delante Desouza (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty), Jason George (Grey's Anatomy), Orlando Jones (Abbott Elementary), Candice King (The Vampire Diaries), Steven Krueger (Yellowjackets), Quentin Lake (Los Angeles Rams), Jessie Prez (Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage), Ed Quinn (The Oval), Sugar Ray Leonard (world champion pro boxer) and Vince Van Patten (World Poker Tour; pickleball pro).
Proceeds from the event will support the WODFF's Wildfire Fund, which distributes donations directly to firefighter families affected by the January 2025 firestorms; in addition, proceeds raised will also benefit the Television Academy Foundation's core education initiatives.
The full-day event included red carpet arrivals, a pickleball clinic, doubles tournament competition, live auctions and an after party with awards presentations to the winning teams:
1st Place Beginner Champions Team: Ryan O'Nan and Beata Pozniak
1st Place Intermediate Champions Team: John Quinn and Chris Ahearn (Let's Make a Deal)
1st Place Advanced Champions Team: Maggie Brascia and Kristen Flagler
"Our heartfelt thanks to all the celebrities, athletes, firefighters and sponsors whose participation and generosity made this event a true celebration of purpose," said Tina Perry, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. "Their energy, enthusiasm, and compassion made this event unforgettable; and, more importantly, impactful as it furthers the missions of both the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter's Fund and the Foundation."
Sponsors for the tournament included Trü Frü, Evoke, NBCU, Murray/Reese Foundation, Allen & Anita Kohl Charitable Foundation, CBS, Joola, Dooney & Bourke, CRBN, Selkirk, Nike, Kitchen Blockers, PicklDrip, Onecruit, PickleTV, Mario Badescu, LMNT, McConnell's Fine Ice Creams and Calabasas Pickleball Club.
About the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter's Fund
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighters Fund, founded more than 118 years ago, assists the families of firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty or facing another crisis, such as the recent California wildfires. The charity helps widows pay rent, buy clothing for their children, put food on the table, afford health care for the family and college tuition. It also helps disabled firefighters suffering from burns, wounds, lung problems and other illnesses. givetoahero.org
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Media Contacts:
Jane Sparango
jane@breakwhitelight.com
310.339.1214
breakwhitelight for the Television Academy
For the complete press release, click here.
