Dink for Pink Charity Pickleball “Teams” Tournament: Pickleball Players Rally to Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Survivors’ Dream Vacation

Pickleball players in the San Diego area are gearing up for Dink for Pink, a pickleball tournament dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer survivors on Oct 11, 2025  from 10:00am – 5:00pm at 685 Taylor St., Vista, CA 92084 at the Tennis Club of Vista. This outstanding event brings the San Diego community together to support Send Me On Vacation (SMOV), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that sends survivors on life-changing vacations. Last October, with the help of generous players and donors, the event raised over $35k and sent over 25 women on healing vacations around the world. “This year the tournament has elevated its fundraising goals,” says Jeanette Bunn, owner of Travel To Go, a membership-based travel club in San Diego, CA, that has supported SMOV for 12 years. 

Dink for Pink was born from the passion of local players and the leadership of Jeanette Bunn, her mother Diane Sharp, and Estella Thompson, who is also a breast cancer survivor. These 3 women love pickleball and know that the sport has also had the spirit to inspire players of all ages to give back. Each of them worked in the travel industry and knew from their experience that helping breast cancer survivors rejuvenate their body, mind, and soul was powerful. SMOV is a resource-driven charity that partners with timeshares, travel clubs, hoteliers, and cruise lines to donate unused rooms during low season to change the lives of survivors. “Everyone knows vacations always bring you happiness! They provide adventure, reduce stress, reunite couples, and reconnect families. Owning a Travel Club in San Diego gave me the chance to donate vacations over my career,” says Jeanette. 

The tournament has already seen overwhelming support from the community, with funds raised through player registrations and sponsorships. “We’ve been blown away by the generosity of everyone involved,” says Estella Thompson. Our Dink for Pink team is working tirelessly to raise funds, knowing that every dollar goes toward sending survivors on dream vacations that help them rebuild their life after their treatment, says Diane Sharp. SMOV is an all-volunteer resource-driven charity run by Cathy Backus, founder & Heidi Lamprecht, VP.

“We were amazed by the impact the tournament had on the organization last year, said Cathy.  Knowing that so many women fighting breast cancer can benefit from the trips we offer is truly our dream come true.”

SMOV vacations are not just getaways—they are an essential part of helping survivors rediscover themselves after the physical and emotional challenges of fighting breast cancer. 

Dink for Pink has been such a success that the team behind the event is encouraging more players and sponsors to join the cause. In addition, Dink for Pink is partnering with Endless Pickleball Director Ginny Alexander to create a team formatted competition for the event. Teams of 10-12 players will compete against other teams both in the fundraising of money, variety of pickleball events and other fun games throughout the event. We encourage those who want to put together a team and/or be a sponsoring partner to contact us via email at estelathompson@gmail.com or call 760-685-4635. To register for the tournament or become a sponsor, visit the event page https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/bd60ad00-3ac0-4c7f-848d-89013c14431b

Everyone and anyone who wants to play, is encouraged to sign up.  So whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player or newer to the sport, this is an exciting way to make a difference. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and registrations are open for players of all levels.  

Can’t attend but still want to contribute? You can make a donation to support the tournament and Send Me On Vacation at https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/2025-dink-for-pink-general-donations