Bend, Oregon – The familiar thwack of pickleballs is echoing across the courts of Widgi Creek Golf Club today, September 11, 2025, as the Deschutes Children’s Foundation (DCF) hosts its inaugural “The Big Dill” pickleball fundraiser. This dynamic event, running from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, is designed to rally the Central Oregon community in support of DCF’s vital mission to empower local children and families.
A Serve for a Significant Cause
The Big Dill marks a significant milestone as DCF’s first-ever pickleball event, aiming to combine the sport’s burgeoning popularity with a crucial fundraising effort. Presented by The Brewer Group at Morgan Stanley and generously sponsored by Widgi Creek Golf Club, the fundraiser offers an engaging evening for participants of all skill levels. A casual round robin tournament promises friendly competition, interspersed with opportunities to enjoy food, drinks, and a chance to win coveted raffle prizes and bid on silent auction items. Awards will also be presented, celebrating both athletic achievement and community spirit.
“The Big Dill is a wonderful opportunity to introduce more people to the heart of our work,” stated Cassi MacQueen, Executive Director of Deschutes Children’s Foundation. “When our community comes together, we make it possible for even more children and families in Central Oregon to access the support and resources they need to thrive.”
Deschutes Children’s Foundation: A Cornerstone for Central Oregon Families
For over three decades, the Deschutes Children’s Foundation has been a steadfast pillar in the Central Oregon community. Established with the core vision of creating a supportive environment where nonprofits can effectively serve children and families, DCF operates a unique model that significantly amplifies the impact of its partner organizations.
DCF’s mission is to provide the essential space and operational support that allows over 23 nonprofit partners to focus on their direct service delivery. By managing four collaborative campuses across Bend, Redmond, and La Pine, DCF eliminates significant overhead costs, including facility maintenance, security, and upkeep, for these vital organizations. This strategic approach translates into substantial annual savings, estimated at $1.4 million, enabling partner nonprofits to dedicate more resources directly to their programs. This unique model ensures that approximately 19,000 children and families in the region have access to a comprehensive network of essential services, ranging from early childhood education and therapeutic care to infant essentials and nutrition assistance.
The current landscape presents increased demand for social services coupled with shrinking resources for many nonprofits. In this context, DCF’s role in fostering collaboration, reducing duplication of efforts, and providing a stable operational base is more critical than ever.
The Growing Appeal of Pickleball and Community Engagement
Pickleball, a sport known for its accessibility and social nature, has seen exponential growth, making it an ideal platform for community fundraising. Widgi Creek Golf Club, a well-regarded venue in Bend, Oregon, offers state-of-the-art pickleball facilities, including 10 indoor hard courts, providing an excellent setting for “The Big Dill.”
Chris Brewer, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at The Brewer Group at Morgan Stanley, emphasized the synergy between the event and DCF’s mission. “We’re proud to support Deschutes Children’s Foundation through The Big Dill,” Brewer said. “At The Brewer Group, we believe strong communities are built when families and children have access to the support they need — and DCF makes that possible every day. This event is a fun, meaningful way to give back while rallying the community around a great cause.”
Molly Renner, a DCF Board Member, Widgi Creek member, and pickleball enthusiast, highlighted the event’s appeal. “The Big Dill brings together three things I love — community, purpose and a little healthy competition,” Renner noted. “As a DCF board member and a Widgi Creek regular, I’m thrilled to see this event bring so many people together in support of children and families across Central Oregon.”
A Day of Impact and Connection in Oregon
Today’s “Big Dill” fundraiser is more than just a sports event; it’s a testament to the power of community collaboration in addressing critical needs. By participating in the tournament, bidding in the silent auction, or enjoying the festivities, attendees are directly contributing to the sustainability and growth of essential services for children and families in the greater Central Oregon area.
The Deschutes Children’s Foundation continues to champion a vision where every child and family has the resources necessary to thrive, and events like “The Big Dill” are instrumental in bringing that vision closer to reality. This initiative, covered in local news, underscores the ongoing efforts to support vulnerable populations through innovative and engaging community-led endeavors.
