About Growing Happiness Initiative, Inc. 

This tournament started in 2021 as a grassroots project to increase mental health awareness and hopefully, have fun doing it. I previously shared my impetus for wanting to start this fundraiser tournament. I lost my brother to suicide in 2019. Through this tournament, I have been honored with the opportunity to connect with many others (volunteers, donors, and participants) who themselves have been impacted by mental health issues in their own lives or in the lives of those whom they love and care deeply for.  Awareness of mental health allows us to create stronger communities, where the stigma does not silence those who need help most, hopefully aids in suicide prevention, and overall, promotes well-being.

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The local Boise pickleball community has been outstanding in its support both through playing and volunteering in the tournament setting. All of our sponsors, those both near and far, have been so generous in the efforts to make this fundraiser a success. 

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Growing Happiness Initiative, Inc. is a registered 501c3 nonprofit. It was created out of the need to accept funds raised during the tournament without losing percentages to third parties or having to request assistance from other community entities in this endeavor. 100% of donations will be given to NAMI Idaho/Treasure Valley and100% of operations are volunteer-based without monetary compensation. 

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I am forever grateful to everyone who has played a role in taking this fundraising endeavor to the next step of its journey. There is not enough thanks that can be given in regards to the efforts through participation and donation to make this fundraiser successful.

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 It is an honor to be able to continually advocate and spread awareness for mental health. 

That being said, thank you. Sincerely. 

-Mariah Stricklin, director

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