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
Sponsorships now open. Reception tickets and tournament registration coming soon.
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 shows up. 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
- Community celebration with auction details to be announced
- Pickleball tournament earlier in the day, various skill levels, optional
Whether you sponsor a tier, buy reception tickets, or join the tournament, your support helps us show up for more children across Yellowstone County, for the long haul.
Our Chairwomen
Lisa Thompson and Lyndsey Geering are leading this inaugural event, bringing their passion for mentorship and community engagement to create a meaningful celebration of the work happening across Yellowstone County.
Our Keynote Speaker
Jimmy - Friends Graduate (more details coming soon)
Event Schedule & Tournament Registration
Coming soon!
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.
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
- 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: August 2026
