Tom Tom Tournament
Pickleball with Purpose – Raising Awareness for Mental Health
Why We Started
In 2014, founder Tom Gawne was inspired to create the Tom Tom Tournament after his own experiences supporting individuals with mental challenges. During his junior year of college, Tom served as a houseparent at a home for mentally challenged kids. Later in life, he met pickleball players who were parents navigating the challenges of raising children with mental illness.
With this perspective, Tom envisioned a way for the pickleball community to show love, raise awareness, and provide support. The tournament was created so that proceeds could be donated to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)—helping families and children who may not always have strong support systems, and ensuring resources are there when they’re needed most.
About the Tournament
The Tom Tom Tournament was founded by Tom Gawn and Tom Dohr in 2016 with one goal in mind: to raise awareness about mental health and support NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). What started as a small community event has grown into an annual tradition that brings people together on and off the court. Check out our donation page for more info
2025 Event Highlights
Date: September 13, 2025
Location: Ace Pickleball, Des Plaines, IL
Note: The tournament is usually held at Woodland Park in Park Ridge, but due to bad weather, this year’s event was moved indoors.
A special thank-you to Jim Baraglia, owner of Ace Pickleball Club, for generously opening his facility and making this year’s event possible.
2025 Winners
Why We Play
To support NAMI and raise awareness for mental health issues.
To create a space where players, families, and friends can come together as a community.
To honor the vision of Tom Gawn and Tom Blank, who started this event with passion and purpose.
Impact
Each year, players and supporters help raise funds that directly support NAMI’s programs and outreach. Together, we’re making a difference—one match at a time.
Thank You
To our players, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters: thank you for making this year’s tournament another success. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the courts next year!
