Join us for our first annual Courtside with Friends event!
A Pickleball Tournament & Reception Benefiting Friends of the Children – Eastern Montana
Thursday, September 10, 2026 | Yellowstone Country Club, Billings, Montana
Sponsorship Opportunities NOW OPEN | Tournament information 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 toughest barriers in our community, building trust, nurturing strengths, and empowering families through a two-generation approach.
We are proud to launch our first annual signature fundraiser, a celebration of mentorship, community, and the power of showing up. Your sponsorship ensures that more children in Yellowstone County can experience the consistency, belonging, and hope they deserve.
What to Expect
Join us for an afternoon where community and impact meet:
- Pickleball tournament for various skill levels
- Evening reception with light dinner and beverages
- Powerful storytelling from youth, caregivers, and a Friends Graduate
- Meaningful connections with local business leaders and supporters passionate about mentorship
- Community celebration (auction details to be announced)
Your sponsorship directly fuels our work expanding access, strengthening family support, and helping us reach even more youth across Eastern Montana.
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 and include tournament entries, reception tickets, logo placement, and recognition across event materials and 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 player entries + 8 reception tickets
- 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 player entries + 6 reception tickets
- Acknowledgment during event program
- Social media recognition (group post)
Mentorship Sponsor - $5,000
- Logo included on event materials
- 4 player entries + 4 reception tickets
- 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
