Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Project Ebenezer will host the 2026 K21 Helping Heroes Pickleball Tournament and Helping Heroes Kids Fest on July 18-19, 2026, at Limitless Park and the Winona Lake Beach.
The annual event serves as Project Ebenezer's largest fundraiser, helping provide mental health and wellness resources for first responders throughout Kosciusko County, according to a provided news release.
The pickleball tournament welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, offering divisions for beginners to advanced competitors. Tournament registration is open through July 14.
In conjunction with the tournament, the Helping Heroes Kids Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The free family-friendly event is designed to give children an opportunity to meet local first responders, explore emergency vehicles and learn about the important roles first responders play in the community.
Kids Fest activities will include:
• K9 demonstrations featuring local police K9 teams
• Opportunities to see police vehicles and specialty equipment up close
• Fire department obstacle course and fire equipment
• Ambulance tours and hands-on first aid kit building activities
• Corrections officer display booth featuring equipment and gear
• Face painting, coloring activities, bracelet making, hair tinsel and temporary tattoos
• Bounce house access and access to Winona Lake Limitless Park and Beach
• Kona Ice, Generous Coffee Iced Coffee Bar and It’s All Good Food Truck
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Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase tickets for a raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses and supporters. Proceeds from the raffle, tournament and event activities directly support Project Ebenezer's mission.
Founded after a local first responder's battle with post-traumatic stress, Project Ebenezer is dedicated to ensuring first responders have access to support before reaching a crisis point. The organization serves all active, part-time, volunteer, reserve and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, dispatchers, corrections officers, EMTs and paramedics through mental health resources, educational programs, wellness initiatives, mental health financial assistance and peer support.
In 2026 alone, Project Ebenezer has already assisted 36 first responders who reached out for support and led multiple trainings on first responder mental health for the community and first responders. This event brings the community together to celebrate and support the men and women who serve others every day while helping ensure resources are available when they need them most, the release states.
“We hope the event will not only raise funds but also strengthen connections between first responders and the communities they serve,” the release concludes.
