Small but Mighty: Aiken, South Carolina, Pickleball Community Raises More Than $3,000 for Alzheimer’s Research

Local resident Lori King brings neighbors together in purple for a cause close to home, supporting Stop Alzheimer’s Now’s mission to fund cure-focused research.

When Aiken resident Lori King learned of an opportunity to support Alzheimer’s research, she saw a way to bring her community together for a cause close to home. On September 26, 2026, King partnered with Stop Alzheimer’s Now (SAN) to host a community pickleball fundraiser in support of a friend and fellow community member recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

What began as a small local tournament became a powerful show of community spirit. Dressed in purple to represent the fight against Alzheimer’s, local players and supporters rallied around the cause, raising more than $3,000 to directly fund cure-focused Alzheimer’s disease research.

King first discovered the opportunity to partner with SAN through a pickleball newsletter. Although she had never coordinated a fundraising event of this kind, she reached out to Jenna Turton, Associate Director of Stop Alzheimer’s Now, to explore the idea of hosting a tournament at her community courts.

“I first saw the opportunity to partner with Stop Alzheimer’s Now through a pickleball newsletter. I reached out to Jenna Turton (Associate Director of the Foundation) with the idea of hosting a small fundraising event at our community courts. I was initially a little apprehensive about taking on this project since I didn’t have any experience coordinating this type of event. With her encouragement and support we partnered together for a hugely successful event. Everyone who participated in this fundraiser is looking forward to hosting another event next year! I encourage anyone who wishes to support Alzheimer’s research to reach out to Jenna and let your community come together for fun and a good cause!” said King.

For Stop Alzheimer’s Now, the Aiken fundraiser is an example of how grassroots partnerships can turn a personal connection into meaningful progress toward a cure.

“Events like Lori’s are incredibly special because they show what can happen when someone sees a need in their community and decides to do something about it,” said Shaun McDuffee, founder of Stop Alzheimer’s Now. “You don’t need a huge budget, a big staff, or years of fundraising experience to make a difference. You need a reason to care and a community willing to show up. We’re so grateful to Lori and everyone in Aiken who rallied in purple and made this event a success. Our mission is to fund cure-focused Alzheimer’s research, and nearly 100% of the dollars we raise go directly to research. When people choose to partner with us, they know their hard work and generosity are helping move that mission forward.”

Stop Alzheimer’s Now works to accelerate progress toward a cure by providing funding for promising Alzheimer’s research projects. By directing nearly 100% of funds raised to research, the organization aims to help researchers pursue innovative ideas and advance discoveries that may lead to effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

The Aiken event also highlights how communities can create meaningful fundraising opportunities around activities they already love. From pickleball courts to neighborhood gatherings, local organizers can bring people together, raise awareness, and help fuel the scientific research needed to change the future of Alzheimer’s disease. Inspired by the success of this year’s event, King and the Aiken community are already looking forward to doing it again in 2027.

Interested in hosting a community fundraiser for Alzheimer’s research? Stop Alzheimer’s Now welcomes individuals, pickleball clubs, businesses, and community groups interested in partnering to make a difference. Contact Jenna Turton to learn how your community can turn a great idea into meaningful support for cure-focused research.

About Stop Alzheimer’s Now

Founded in 2013, Stop Alzheimer’s Now is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding cure-focused Alzheimer’s disease research. Through community partnerships, fundraising initiatives, and research grants, SAN supports promising scientific work aimed at advancing discoveries and finding a cure. The organization directs nearly 100% of the dollars it raises directly to research.