Katy’s Ballard House to Host Fundraising Pickleball Tournament
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 6, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
The Ballard House provides housing for patients and their family members who have come to the area to receive medical treatment for a life-threatening illness. Next month they are hosting a Pickleball Tournament to raise funds to support their cause.
Sign-ups are open for next month’s “Paddle for a Purpose” Pickleball Tournament that will support The Ballard House, a Katy nonprofit that provides no-cost housing for patients and families traveling to Houston for life-saving medical treatment.
“Our 40-room house offers no cost lodging for patients and their care givers who travel from all over the United States to receive treatment of a life-threatening illness,” says Executive Director David Brown. “Paddle for a Purpose is a great way to provide a financial gift to assist us in all the additional expenses required to maintain The Ballard House”
The organization decided to host this event after they saw a high schooler coordinate a small tournament that raised funds for The Ballard House last year. Her mom is a pickleballer and they saw how this event brought their mission to new supporters.
“I reside at The Ballard House in Katy Texas. I am so grateful and thankful for the Ballard house and the staff and volunteers,” says Linda Rutledge. “My stay at the Ballard House has made my illness bearable. I am always greeted with smiles and friendly faces. I’m greeted with hugs and asked can I do anything for you? The authenticity of kindness bring tears to my eyes however, I am so grateful God opened these doors.”
“Paddle For a Purpose” is set for August 1, 2026, and registration is open now online. It’s $120 per double and all skills are welcome with a guarantee of at least three games. Breakfast, lunch and a player goodie bag is included. Snacks, drinks and a pro shop will be onsite.
The tournament will be held at Pickleball Village, Katy’s premier indoor pickleball facility featuring 10 premium fenced indoor courts, including 5 cushioned courts, ultra-high ceiling, lounge areas, and a full day of pickleball competition.
The tops finishers will get podium prizes and photos.
Play times will be announced when registration closes so don’t wait.
A Journey of Service
The Ballard House started their journey to serving Katy and surrounding families in 2006 when Keller Williams Premier Realty in Katy answered a challenge to “leave a legacy” by founding Cinco Charities, Inc.
The goal was to provide free housing to families visiting the area for medical treatment. Initially Cinco Charities housed families at local hotels through the support and donations of sponsors.
In 2011, cancer patient Erin Ballard learned about Cinco Charities from her oncologist at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Katy. She donated her rental properties and “Erin’s House” helped to expand the good that the organization was doing.
Monty Ballard was so touched by what Cinco Charities was doing that he established The Ballard House and started construction on the location Katy knows today. The Ballard House opened it’s doors in December of 2013. It’s a 20,000-square-foot facility on three acres, officially opened, welcoming families from around the world for medical treatments.
The Ballard House operates on generous donations both in items needed and monetary donations. They also are able to serve their guests because of dedicated volunteers.
How Can You Help?
There are many ways to support The Ballard House in addition to the upcoming tournament. Katy residents can shop their Amazon Wishlist to help support this great charity. Donors can also make monetary contributions. Adults and students can also volunteer. Check their website for opportunities.
“The hygiene is heaven sent,” says Rutledge. “There’s always food around. The Ballard House is the epitome of greatness. The Ballard House operates in the spirit of excellence.”
