Serving Up Support: Adventist Health Glendale’s Second Annual Charity Pickleball Tournament Benefits Life-Bettering Care
In a spirited celebration of sport and community, Adventist Health Glendale hosted its second annual POSH Pickleball Tournament on Sunday, November 2, rallying players and supporters alike in the name of life-bettering care. Organized by the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation, the event raised funds for new surgical equipment and technology designed to expand community access to world-class care.
Set at the idyllic La Cañada Flintridge Country Club, the tournament combined a "posh" atmosphere with playful competition, welcoming participants of all skill levels for a day of friendly rivalry and philanthropy.
"We are thrilled to have hosted this tournament and brought our community together to support our medical center," said Alice Issai, President, Adventist Health Glendale-Simi Valley Service Area. "Community generosity is vital to securing the latest technological advances and life-saving equipment. Support for this event directly impacts our ability to provide world-class programs in vascular, cardiothoracic, neurological, orthopedic, gastrointestinal, and oncological care right here in Glendale."
The sold-out tournament drew 76 teams and hundreds of enthusiastic spectators across 22 courts. Once again, family ties to the hospital ran strong among the top finishers. Dave Bahia and J.P. McKenzie — son of cardiology and electrophysiology expert Dr. John McKenzie — clinched first place in the Advanced Division, edging out Chad Chebbi and Joe McMurray.
Reflecting on his win, J.P. shared, "It feels great — it's just awesome. I love the fact that this tournament is in my hometown, and it's great to come back to represent. Years ago, my dad was one of the winners of the [Adventist Health] golf tournament at this same club. So, carrying on his legacy and bringing home a trophy feels amazing!"
Adding to the excitement — and in perfect timing with the World Series — Major League Baseball legend Manny Mota and his family joined the festivities, sitting courtside for the finals and celebrating alongside players and spectators at the tournament awards luncheon. A proud supporter of Adventist Health Glendale, Mr. Mota credits the hospital’s award-winning comprehensive stroke team with helping him make a 100% recovery after a life-threatening stroke earlier this year.
The luncheon was emceed by ABC7 Health Specialist Denise Dador, who brought her signature energy and warmth to the event for the second year in a row.
Beyond the courts, the day's true triumph lay in its impact: the tournament raised more than $250,000 for the hospital’s operating room expansion campaign, helping ensure patients continue to benefit from the latest innovations in care.
"We are so grateful for the incredible enthusiasm and generosity surrounding this event," said Elizabeth LaBorde, President of the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation. "Thank you to Pacific BMW, Glendale Adventist Emergency Physicians, Mariner Health Care, and all our amazing sponsors. Special thanks to ABC7's Denise Dador for returning as our dynamic emcee and for helping us spread the word about this fun and meaningful cause."
