Play for the Kids Event
Sunday June 7th, 2026 | Hi-Wire Brewing and Ace & Eagle Courts
284 Lyman St, Asheville
What to Expect
Sponsored by Poppy’s Popcorn and Town & Mountain, and hosted by Ace & Eagle and Hi-Wire Brewing, Play for the Kids is a community-driven, dual fundraising event that brings together a charity pickleball tournament and a family fun day.
At the heart of the event is a pickleball tournament facilitated by the Asheville Pickleball Association. Alongside the competition, the Family Fun Day will offer an expanded field day experience with activities for all ages.
Whether you’re playing in the tournament, attending with your family, cheering from the sidelines, or simply coming out to support the cause, there will be plenty of ways to get involved and make an impact.
Pickleball Tournament
Get ready for a fun, fast-paced day of friendly competition for players of intermediate and advanced skill levels. Teams will compete in a round-robin style tournament with plenty of chances to play and connect. All proceeds support local children and families in need.
Enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with mini-games, activities, crafts, and something for all ages. Every activity helps support kids and families in need
Family Fun Day
Enter for a chance to win a variety of exciting prizes donated by local businesses and supporters. Every ticket purchased helps support children and families in need.
Raffle
Have fun with a variety of interactive games hosted by Hi-Wire and Ace & Eagle, including a golf simulator, billiards, cornhole, and more! Whether you’re playing for fun or a little friendly competition, there’s something for everyone. All activities help support children and families in need. Also enjoy on-site food trucks!
Other Games & Things to do
Pickleball Tournament
A Day of Play. A Lasting Impact.
Your participation directly supports at-risk children in our community.
Event Overview
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Ace & Eagle Courts, Asheville, NC
Format: Round-robin, rally scoring tournament designed for consistent, high-quality play
Divisions/Ratings:
Intermediate (3.5 average, Max team rating 14.5) — 10 teams (Morning)
Advanced (4.25+, Max team rating 18, and must include one female player) — 10 teams (Afternoon)
Teams: 4 players per team (limited to 20 teams total)
Entry Fee: $50 per player | $200 per team
Prizes
1st place - $50 restaurant gift card
2nd place - $25 restaurant gift card
Additional Information: Each player will receive a hand-printed, high quality event tote bag courtesy of Moonlight Makers filled with goodies from local businesses!
Family Fun Day
Food & Drinks
Enjoy a variety of food trucks on-site throughout the day, plus a special HARK named draft beer available for guests to enjoy.Interactive Games & Activities
Enjoy games hosted by Hi-Wire and Ace & Eagle, including a golf simulator, billiards, cornhole, and ping pong. HARK volunteers will also be hosting mini-games throughout the day, along with kid-friendly crafts for younger kids. Whether you’re playing for fun or a little friendly competition, there’s something for everyone—all while supporting children and families in need.Prize Raffle
Enter for a chance to win exciting prizes donated by local businesses and supporters. Winners will be announced during the event, and you do not need to be present to win. Every ticket purchased helps support children and families in need.
Raffle & Giveaways
Enter for a chance to win exciting prizes and experiences from local business such as:
Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn
Wunderland Resort
Waynesville Inn and Golf Club
French Broad Chocolate
Everyday Oil
Matcha Nude
Sarilla Tea
Various Haywood Rd. Restaurants & Businesses
Chemist Spirits
& More!
Who is Helping at Risk Kids (HARK)?
Our name is our mission. Helping At Risk Kids (HARK) serves Buncombe County’s most vulnerable children and youth: those in court-ordered protective custody, kids aging out of the foster care system, and those without stable housing.
What we do:
We fund basic, emergency, and child-specific enrichment needs as identified by caring social workers, school counselors, and guardians ad litem. Examples of assistance include beds and mattresses, summer camps, school supplies, transportation, utility assistance, and temporary housing. Our streamlined process allows HARK’s volunteers to review and make determinations quickly to allow children in need to receive direct and immediate assistance, avoiding long wait times.
Stay In the Loop
This page will be updated with the latest information about the tournament and Family Fun Day as the event approaches. Follow along here and on our social media channels for updates, announcements, and ways to get involved.