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A generous community of pickleball players from the South Suburbs came together on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Pickled! in Frankfort, Illinois, to raise money for Trinity Services and a new research-based virtual reality training system to help people with disabilities gain confidence in real world situations.  The virtual reality system offers learners over 100 virtual lessons such as crossing streets safely and interviewing for a job. 

Annette Krapil, founding chair of Serving Up Support, was very pleased the results.  “The event sold out in its first year, primarily because it’s powered by an exceptional team of pickleball professionals, instructors, and community leaders dedicated to creating a welcoming, organized, and fun on-court experience for every participant,” explained Krapil.  “This event had something for every skill level, whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or you play every day.”

The event featured several key sponsors, including ONIX, the official ball of the fundraiser, and the leading manufacturer of performance pickleball paddles, balls, and accessories, Alsip Nursery, Rich’s Landscaping, Terry's Peotone, First National Bank of Manhattan, and Bill Pattara State Farm Insurance.  Sheila Costello, even held a birthday fundraiser that raised $1,000.  Dan Folliard, a member of the Serving Up Support committee, was instrumental is getting ONIX as a primary sponsor. 

Beginners had the opportunity to take lessons from pickleball professionals Bridget Aguado, and her son, Josiah, while experienced players enjoyed playing against one another.  Bridget is an emerging professional pickleball player and one of the top-rated players in her region.  Her son, Josiah, is a youth professional pickleball player who has quickly achieved success at major tournaments.  “We were very happy to participate in this event,” said Bridget.

Nathan Taylor, a pickleball pro and the owner of Pickled!, was happy to host the event.  “Pickleball is all about community,” said Taylor.  “We were very glad to participate in this event and bring more people to the sport.”

Participants also had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets and bid for silent auction items, with all proceeds going to Trinity Services.  Steve Soderborg, an experienced instructor, who is a driving force in the Chicagoland pickleball community and a passionate ambassador committed to growing the sport and welcoming players at every level onto the court, was the designated pickleball coordinator.  “I was there to make sure everyone was having fun,” said Soderborg.  “The pickleball community is very loving and generous, and their support for Trinity Services has been amazing.” 

Serving Up Support is looking forward to continuing the pickleball tradition in support of Trinity Services.  “This is really a great group of people who come together to donate their time for this fundraiser,” said Morgan Bianchi.  “We are glad they came out to support Trinity, and we look forward to seeing everyone next year.”

Thane Dykstra, President and CEO of Trinity Services, was very grateful.  “A hearty thanks to Steve Soderborg, Annette Krapil, and the Serving Up Support committee.  "It's hard to believe this was an inaugural event, given the number of participants and positive energy present throughout the day."  Dykstra added, "Although there were many pickleball games held at this event, the true winners will be the people served by Trinity who will gain access to cutting edge technology."