GUSTINE—Community members will gather at Harry P. Schmidt Park on May 31 for Pickleball for a Cause, a tournament organized by Gustine native Daniel Gomes to support Valley Children’s Hospital.

Gomes, a junior at Fresno State University majoring in Agriculture Education, founded Pickleball for a Cause as a way to give back to the town that raised him. Along with his friends, he saw the tournament as a chance to bring people together for a meaningful cause.

“We chose to support Valley Children’s Healthcare because of the incredible work they do for kids and families across the Central Valley,” Gomes said. “Their dedication to providing top-quality care, no matter the circumstances, really inspired us, and we knew we wanted to rally our town around such an important cause.”

Valley Children’s Hospital, located in Madera, is one of the largest pediatric healthcare providers in California, serving approximately 1.3 million children across the region. The hospital offers specialized care in fields such as oncology, neurology, cardiology, and orthopedics, and is home to the only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the Central Valley. It also operates the region’s largest ACS-verified Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, providing life-saving emergency care for critically injured children.

The event will feature pickleball matches, food, music, and family-friendly activities. While registration has already closed, community members are encouraged to come out and cheer on the players while enjoying offerings from local food vendors, including Yogurt Mill, Live Better Acai Bowls, Antojitos Bros, J&M Mini Pancakes, Woody's Hawaiian BBQ, and El Azteco.

All proceeds from the tournament will support Valley Children's Hospital, ensuring continued access to expert pediatric care for families in need.

“Can’t wait to see everyone on May 31st,” Gomes said. “Let’s have fun, make memories, and support a great cause together!”