A recent fundraising event hosted by Hearts Alive Village paired a love of animals with a love for pickleball. Across three courts at Henderson’s Chicken N Pickle, players participated in social and competitive matches, with proceeds going towards the nonprofit’s animal rescue services. 

“We hope everyone has a lot of fun and connects with like-minded people,” said Lina Lakoczky-Torres, the volunteer and community engagement manager at Hearts Alive Village. 

As a no-kill shelter in Las Vegas, HAV provides valuable resources for pet parents in addition to caring for rescues. According to 2025 shelter data from the ASPCA, the two leading reasons pets end up in shelters are being picked up as strays (59%) and owner surrenders (30%), highlighting the importance of keeping pets with their families in the first place.

HAV’s mission to save animals in need and to keep them with their families involves multiple moving parts. From their cat cafe to their pet food pantry service, to medical costs, vaccinations, microchipping and more, HAV has saved more than 18,000 animals to date. 

It’s work that takes resources, which is where community sponsors like the Silverton Casino come in to support a day of refreshments, fun, and competition. 

As one of the fastest growing sports in the US, pickleball’s popularity isn’t slowing down. But on these courts, showing up for our at risk animals in Las Vegas is the true goal. 

With three matches playing in the background, Lakoczky-Torres reflected on the true heart of the event. “Playing for a purpose, doing all this for a purpose, it goes back to the animals,” she said. 

HAV will be at the Vegas AUTOFEST on Sept. 12 and the YMCA’s Puppy Pawlooza on Sept. 26.

You can connect with HAV and learn more about upcoming events on their website.