Auburn and Kent Food Banks Team Up to Host Smash Hunger Classic Pickleball Tournament

The first-ever Smash Hunger Pickleball tournament is being jointly hosted by the Auburn and Kent Food Banks September 18-20 at Rally Pickleball Club in Auburn. The weekend will also feature food, a beer and wine garden, games, silent auction, raffles and much more for players and community members.

Together, the food banks support more than 25,000 individuals across South King County each year, representing over 7,000 households.

“With recent reductions in food assistance funding, we are stepping forward to raise critical dollars to ensure we can continue meeting the growing needs of our communities,” says Debbie Christian and Jeniece Choate, Executive Directors of the Auburn and Kent food banks, respectively. 

The tournament’s presenting sponsors are Rally Pickleball, Match Media and Mechanics Bank.

“We are excited to bring this three-day event to hundreds of players and guests for a high-energy experience that blends competition, community, and purpose,” remarked Dillon Eugenio, owner and general Manager of Rally Pickleball Club.

All skill levels are welcome, and teams will be guaranteed at least three matches in the round robin format. This is not a DUPR recorded event. Participants will not need to have a DUPR rating at the time of registration.

Register Now and Play for a Purpose

Tournament organizers are urging all area players to get in on the fun. You will not have a better reason than this to play than this!

Dates: September 18-20, 2026

Location: Rally Pickleball Club, 2703 C St. SW, Auburn, WA 98001

Entry Fee: $75 

Full Tournament Information:

Online registration: https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/smash-hunger-benefit-tournament

Sponsorships are still available and donations can be taken at any time for one or both food banks.

For more information on playing, sponsoring or donating, visit the tournament website at https://kentfoodbank.ejoinme.org/smashhunger