Pickleball Dinks Into Emmys Court And Raises $100,000 For The Television Academy Foundation And Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund

The newest sports craze to sweep the nation has also swept the Emmys. Television stars, sports legends, entertainment executives and Television Academy leadership including Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race), 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) gathered Sunday, May 18, 2025 at the famed Calabasas Pickleball Club for an all-day doubles tournament. The 2025 Emmys Pickleball Slam not only brought out stars for fun in the sun, but for a good cause. Along with money raised from spectator tickets and the doubles tournament the event included a live auction, and all proceeds – $100,000 worth – were shared between the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund (WODFF) and the Televsion Academy Foundation.

While WODFF, founded in 1906 supports firefighters and their families across Los Angeles, proceeds from the Emmys Pickleball Slam will support the WODFF’s Wildfire Fund, which distributes donations directly to firefighter families affected by the January 2025 firestorms in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades. The Television Academy Foundation, established in 1959 has supported thousands of talented students, providing them resources that help them find their voice within the television industry.

Splash had a chance to talk with event attendees and hear how these wonderful causes are near and dear to their hearts, plus their true thoughts on pickleball. While some stars came ready to win, confident in their pickleball game (Phil Keoghan), others shared their passion for the game (Quentin Lake) and some joked they were waiting for a sport they could excel in to really shine (Orlando Jones – basketball, Ed Quinn-surfing). Hear more of what they had to say…

The day culminated with an afterparty where tournament winners received their awards. The Emmy Pickleball Slam award will likely sit in the same proud place an actual Emmy in their homes! Ryan O’Nan and Beata Pozniak claimed 1^st Place Beginner Champions Team, while the 1^st Place Intermediate Champions were John Quinn and Chris Ahearn (Let’s Make a Deal), and the 1^st Place Advanced Champions were 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.”