Live and Let Live Homeless Ministry hosting a pickleball tournament this Saturday to raise funds for a new fire sprinkler system at its Smithville shelter.
Board member Suzanne Gash said the fire marshal requires the infrastructure upgrade before the facility can legally house residents through the night. Gash said the organization operated as a warming center last year.
“This year, we’re hoping to get beds back out if we can get this sprinkler system,” Gash said. “They’re not cheap. Sprinkler systems are not cheap. So that’s why we’re doing this fundraiser to try to raise a little bit of money to help us on that.”
Gash said the non-profit ministry provides hot meals, laundry services, and showers during its weekly operating hours. The organization has seen an increase in local need over the past year with nightly attendance ranging from six to 15 people.
“We have been very blessed,” Gash said. “And we’re always looking for volunteers, if anybody would like to volunteer or just come out and see what’s going on, we would love to have them out there.”
Gash said registration for the tournament costs $40 and remains open through Thursday. Participants can sign up through the Live and Let Live DeKalb County Facebook page using a registration code or pay via PayPal, Square, or in person on the day of the event.
“The town has been great,” Gash said. “We’re going to give some gift cards away. And then we’ve got so many gift cards, we’re going to have some drawings for that also. So the town has really come together to support us,” Gash said.
Gash said the tournament features beginner and intermediate tiers, though the number of games may be reduced from five to three if weather forces the event indoors. If it rains, the competition will move to First Baptist Church at 101 West Church Street.