Rallying For refugees!
A day of pickleball, purpose, and community
Watch the full recap video of our 2025 HFR Pickleball Social Fundraiser Tournament, beautifully produced by Asher Schweizer of Asher.Flix, who generously donated his time and sports videography services.
On Sunday, August 24, 2025, under the bright Newport Beach sun and a perfect coastal breeze, our community came together for a day that was about so much more than pickleball. We welcomed 58 players and 85 total attendees from across Southern California to rally in support of refugees rebuilding their lives in the United States.
The courts were alive with energy and laughter as players of all skill levels joined in friendly competition. On the deck, others gathered to cheer, connect, and celebrate the mission of Home for Refugees. A highlight for many beginners was our pickleball clinic, led by a pro who brought fresh energy and helpful tips to the game.
The heart of the event came through the powerful story shared by Oleksandra Yeskova and her courageous family. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Oleksandra, her husband Anton Shevchenko, and their two children made the difficult decision to leave their homeland in search of safety and hope in the United States.
Thanks to Home Team 90, a dedicated group of volunteers from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and Christ Lutheran Church in San Clemente, CA, the Yeskova-Shevchenko family was welcomed at the airport and supported for a full year as they resettled. With the team’s help, they’ve begun adjusting to life in the U.S., building a future filled with stability and opportunity. Their resilience and joy are a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of community. This event wasn’t just about sport—it was about coming together to create lasting change.
We’re so close!
Were thrilled to announce that we have raised $10,000 toward our $15,000 goal!
With your help, we can reach the finish line and empower even more families like the Yeskova-Shevchenkos.
We’re just $5,000 away from our goal—and you can help us cross that line by making a donation today:
Give online through your bank or credit card at www.homeforrefugeesusa.org/give
Mail a check payable to Home for Refugees USA to:
15615 Alton Parkway, Suite 450, Irvine, CA 92618
Every gift helps transform lives. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Have a question about making a donation? Email Linda at l.maestas@hfrusa.org.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, volunteered, played, gave, and supported. Because of you, refugees in our community are one step closer to building new lives filled with hope and opportunity!
Special thanks to The Tennis and Pickleball Club at Newport Beach (TTC Newport) for not only hosting Home for Refugees Pickleball Social Fundraiser Tournament 2025, but supporting us as well!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
The funds raised are crucial to our efforts in resettling refugees across the United States, offering them a fresh start and a path to a brighter future. Your participation makes our time a special event to remember and a catalyst for change, directly impacting the lives of countless individuals and families who have been displaced from their homes and homelands and are seeking safety, stability, and dignity. Please meet some of our sponsors who are helping to make this amazing event possible. Show your support by following them on social media!
AD SPONSORS
MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
Join our Monthly Email Newsletter and receive regular updates and join us in your thoughts and prayers for the health and well-being of the refugees in our program. As we support our refugees in their resettlement as they return to independence, we hope they will begin to create homes that provide safety, freedom, and dignity.
EMPLOYEr MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM
Matching gifts are an easy way to increase your donation to Home for Refugees — at no additional cost to you! Many employers support your altruistic efforts by offering matching gift programs to your favorite charities. Contact Alleah McGrath to find out if your employer will match your gift to Home for Refugees.
HFR’s Home Team 169 from First Presbyterian Church Downey partnering with a single man who had escaped persecution in the Congo and resettled in Downey, CA.
Questions: For any questions regarding our event, please contact Alleah McGrath.