Serving Up Success: Fil-Am Hawaii Foundation’s Tennis & Pickleball Scholarship Fundraiser
At the heart of every successful community is the power of giving back, and the Fil-Am Hawaii Foundation continues to embody this spirit with its Tennis & Pickleball Scholarship Fundraiser. This exciting event blends fun, fitness, and philanthropy, all with a mission close to our hearts: raising scholarship funds for deserving graduating students. Since 2007, this event has granted scholarship opportunity to over 100 deserving students regardless of race, color, creed/religion, or ethnic background.
The Power of Sports, The Heart of a Community
Tennis and pickleball have been growing in popularity across Hawaii, not just as sports, but as ways to bring people together. The Fil-Am Hawaii Foundation is tapping into this wave of enthusiasm to create an event where every serve, volley, and rally supports a brighter future for local students.
This isn't just a tournament—it’s a celebration of community spirit. Participants of all skill levels, from seasoned players to beginners, are welcome to join in the fun. Whether you're swinging a racket for the competition or just for a good cause, every match helps fund scholarships for students who dream of higher education but need a financial boost to get there.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Over the years, the Fil-Am Hawaii Foundation has proudly awarded scholarships to over 100 deserving students in Hawaii, regardless of race, color, creed/religion, or ethnic background. Just last year, thanks to the incredible support from our community, sponsors, and volunteers, we were able to provide scholarships to 18 deserving students. These scholarships don’t just ease financial burdens—they empower young leaders, fuel aspirations, and strengthen the ties within our community.
One of the driving forces behind this mission is Lovette Llantos, co-founder of the Fil-Am Hawaii Foundation. Lovette has been instrumental in not only establishing the foundation but also in tirelessly promoting all its fundraising activities. Her passion and dedication to supporting students through education have been the heartbeat of the foundation’s ongoing success.
2025 is a Banner Year
The Fil-Am Tennis and Pickleball Tournament that took place on July 12-13 turned out to be a banner year for the Fil-Am Hawaii Foundation, marking record-breaking participation and community support. We welcomed the highest number of players and spectators in the event’s history, filling the courts and sidelines with excitement and energy. Sponsorships reached new heights, with local businesses and organizations rallying behind our cause. Adding to the momentum, professional pickleball pros Anna Leigh Waters and Leigh Waters (daughter and mom) and tennis legend Ivan Lendl generously lent their voices and platforms to promote the event, elevating its visibility and impact. This overwhelming support not only showcased the power of sports in uniting communities but also significantly boosted our scholarship fund, ensuring even more students will benefit in the coming year.
How You Can Get Involved in the Future
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Register to Play: Grab your tennis racket or pickleball paddle and sign up for the fundraiser. Whether you play singles, doubles, or just want to join the clinic sessions, your participation directly contributes to scholarship funds.
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Sponsor the Event: Local businesses and organizations can sponsor courts, provide in-kind donations, or contribute to prize packages. It’s a great way to support education while gaining community visibility.
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Volunteer with Us: Behind every great event is an even greater team of volunteers. From event coordination to scorekeeping and hospitality, we welcome anyone who wants to lend a helping hand.
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Cheer and Donate: If you’re not playing, come out and cheer! Enjoy the festive atmosphere, make a donation, and be part of the energy that fuels these scholarships.
More Than a Game
This fundraiser is more than just a day of fun on the courts; it’s about investing in the next generation of leaders, professionals, and changemakers. Every dollar raised will go directly to the Fil-Am Hawaii Foundation’s scholarship fund, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of our students' dreams.
Together, let’s serve up success—one point, one rally, one scholarship at a time.
Links
Check out winners, photos, and videos from past events.
Fil-Am Hawaii Foundation: filamhawaii.com
Tennis:
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- Website: filamtennishawaii.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filamtennishawaii/
Pickleball
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- Website: filampickleball.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filampickleballhawaii/
Let’s Chat
Please email Lovette Llantos or give her a call at 808.938.3910 and tell her if you are interested in learning more about tennis or pickleball, fundraising efforts, charity events, or anything about life on the Big Island of Hawaii.
