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Serve for Strength, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by sisters Valerie, Victoria and Vanessa Simon, is bringing the community together through pickleball for a special charity tournament in partnership with the PPA Challenger on Thursday, August 27, 2026, hosted by Let’s Go Pickleball in Peachtree City, Georgia,.
Serve for Strength was born from Valerie’s remarkable journey to becoming the “Bionic Girl.”
Valerie was a highly ranked competitive tennis player when she suffered from multiple bone surgeries. For nearly two years, she faced a long and difficult recovery and at times was unsure whether she would walk normally again, much less compete again. With four titanium rods in her ankles, Valerie ultimately found a way to turn her pain into purpose. Though she can no longer play tennis, she fell in love with pickleball and she and her sister Victoria turned Professional, signing with the PPA this year.
Valerie’s mother, Daniella Simon, the CEO of the foundation says their goal is to ensure no family suffers- or suffers alone with out a support system. Through Serve for Strength, the family is committed to bringing communities together to raise funds for medical research, supporting advancements in diagnosis and treatment, and helping doctors and researchers have access to the tools and technology needed to improve outcomes for future patients.
The organization has already directed support toward Hospital for Special Surgeries where funds were allocated to foot-and-ankle research.
But Serve for Strength is about more than fundraising.
The family created the organization to bring people together through sport so that those facing health challenges know they are not alone. Through pickleball tournaments, clinics and other community events, Serve for Strength raises awareness, builds community and generates funds to support medical research and families facing difficult health journeys.
Their mission is simple: turn adversity into advocacy and use sport as a force for good.
Today, Valerie and Victoria compete professionally in pickleball, but Serve for Strength remains at the heart of what they do.
The August 27 event gives the Peachtree City and greater Atlanta community an opportunity to become part of that mission. Daniella Simon said “Teaming up with the PPA Challenger has been a dream as their overall do-good purpose is aligned with ours.”
Players of all levels are welcome. Participants do not need to be professionals or advanced pickleball players. The goal is to create a fun, welcoming event where competitive players, recreational players, families, local businesses and members of the community can come together for a meaningful cause. Daniella Simon said “we are blessed that Let’s Go Pickleball is hosting this event as their owner Donald Young has a heart of gold.”
The event will feature pickleball competition, raffle prizes, vendors, community partners and opportunities to connect with players participating in the PPA Challenger event.
For Serve for Strength, the tournament is about much more than who wins.
Every person who comes out to play, donate, sponsor, volunteer or simply help spread the word becomes part of a community using sport to help others.
“We want people to realize that you can take something you love — whether that’s pickleball, tennis or any other sport — and use it to make a difference,” the Simon family said. “We would love for the Peachtree City community to come out, meet us, play some pickleball and help us turn points into purpose.”
Come Play for a Purpose
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Let’s Go Pickleball — Peachtree City, Georgia
In partnership with the PPA Challenger Series
All levels are invited.
To learn more about Serve for Strength, register, donate or get involved, visit serveforstrength.org or follow @serveforstrength on social media.
Come play, support the cause and help Serve for Strength continue turning adversity into strength — one point at a time.
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