California student turned pickleball fundraiser for St. Jude into a sports platform that raised more than $90,000

Olivia Shekou, a student in California, has transformed her passion for pickleball into a powerful philanthropic force, raising more than $90,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Her innovative platform, Netting Miracles, empowers students nationwide to organize sports-based fundraising events.

Netting Miracles provides a framework for young people to initiate and manage their own charity drives, fostering leadership and community engagement. The platform's success has expanded its reach across seventeen states, supporting a variety of charitable causes beyond its initial focus.

Shekou is now setting her sights on a new initiative, planning an upcoming fundraiser at Flyte Racquet Club in San Rafael. This event will specifically benefit women and children in Uganda, demonstrating her continued commitment to global humanitarian efforts. The platform's growth signifies a burgeoning movement of youth-led philanthropy in the sports arena.