Join us for our first annual Courtside with Friends event!
A Fundraising Reception (with a Pickleball Tournament Pre-Event) Benefiting Friends of the Children - Eastern Montana
Thursday, September 10, 2026 | Yellowstone Country Club, Billings, Montana
Reservations are open. Reserving is free, and we suggest a $100 gift when you do.
Reserving Your Spot
Reserving is free. The form includes a suggested gift of $100 per person, and the amount is yours to set. Reserve one spot for each person attending.
During registration, let us know whether you plan to play pickleball. Ballers and non-ballers reserve the same way.
Eight reservations fill one table. To hold more than one table, email Nina Hernandez at nhernandez@friendsmontana.org.
Our Keynote Speaker
James "Jimmy" Tyrrell was 8 years old when he was paired with a paid, professional mentor in Portland. His Friend was John Foster. They went to Blazer games and snowboarding, and some afternoons they just sat in a bookstore and read together. John was still there when Jimmy graduated in 2008.
Eighteen years later, Jimmy has three children of his own and works as a Behavioral Health Program Coordinator with the Oregon Judicial Department, supporting the Marion, Multnomah, Benton, and Yamhill county circuit courts. In his words, "This program saved my life."
He is traveling to Billings to tell that story in person on September 10.
Why This Event Matters
At Friends of the Children - Eastern Montana, we believe every child deserves a long-term, stable, supportive relationship with a mentor who stays. 12+ years, no matter what.
Our professional mentors (Friends) walk alongside youth facing the greatest obstacles in Yellowstone County, building trust, supporting strengths, and connecting families to resources through our two-generation approach.
Courtside with Friends is our first annual signature fundraiser. Whether you sponsor, attend the reception, or play pickleball, your support means more children in Yellowstone County have the consistency, belonging, and hope they deserve.
Not a Pickleball Player? Come Anyway.
The reception is the heart of this event. Pickleball is a lead-in for the people who want to play, not a requirement to attend, sponsor, or support our work. Whether you've never picked up a paddle or you're a tournament regular, the reception is for you. Hear directly from a Friends graduate, meet youth from our chapter, and spend the evening with the people making this work possible across Yellowstone County. Non-ballers welcome.
What to Expect
The evening reception is the centerpiece. The afternoon pickleball tournament is the lead-in for those who want to play.
- Evening reception with light dinner and beverages, open to everyone, whether you played pickleball that afternoon or not
- Stories from a Friends graduate, plus caregivers and youth from our chapter
- Time with local business leaders and supporters who believe in long-term mentoring
- Live auction benefiting our work across Yellowstone County
- Pickleball tournament earlier in the day, various skill levels, optional
Whether you sponsor, reserve a spot at the reception, or join the tournament, your support means more children across Yellowstone County have a Friend for the long haul.
Our Chairwomen
Lisa Thompson and Lyndsey Geering are leading this inaugural event, bringing their passion for mentorship and community engagement, and are bringing this first one to life for Yellowstone County.
Event Schedule & Tournament Registration
Tournament at 3:00 pm for those who want to play.
Fundraising party and reception from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, open to everyone.
The Impact of Your Investment
FOR EVERY $1 INVESTED in Friends of the Children, our community benefits over $7 in saved social costs. Helping one child saves our community $900,000.
Thank You to Our Lead Sponsors
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. and Thompson Family Dentistry are the 2026 Lead Sponsors of Courtside with Friends. Their commitment anchors the event and makes it possible for partners across Billings to join in support of the 50 children we serve across Yellowstone County.
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. has called Billings home for decades, and Thompson Dental has cared for Billings families for more than 48 years. That long-term investment in this community is exactly what Friends of the Children is built on.
Courtside with Friends is our chapter's first annual fundraiser. Sponsors like Kampgrounds of America, Inc. and Thompson Dental are what turn an idea into a tradition.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $10,000. Every tier includes reception tickets, plus pickleball tournament entries you can use, gift to colleagues or guests, or pass on entirely. Tiers also include logo placement and recognition across event materials and our digital platforms.
Lead Sponsor - $10,000 (Fully committed)
- Premier logo placement on all event materials
- Verbal recognition during program
- Logo on event webpage and promotional emails
- Reserved seating at reception
- 8 reception tickets + 8 player entries
- Opportunity for company volunteer day with our youth
- Dedicated social media post
- Dedicated VIP tent at tournament
Champion Sponsor - $7,500
- Prominent logo inclusion on event materials
- Logo on event webpage
- 6 reception tickets + 6 player entries
- Acknowledgment during event program
- Social media recognition (group post)
Mentorship Sponsor - $5,000
- Logo included on event materials
- 4 reception tickets + 4 player entries
- Recognition during event program
- Social media acknowledgment
Friends Sponsor - $2,500
- Logo included on event signage
- 2 player entries + 2 reception tickets
- Recognition on event website
Supporter Sponsor - $1,000
- Name listed on event materials
- 2 player entries + 2 reception tickets
Sponsorship deadline has passed. To discuss supporting the event, email Nina Hernandez at nhernandez@friendsmontana.org.
