
'The Dink' actors Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen among participants in 'Emmys Pickleball Slam' fundraiser
Wondering if stars of the upcoming pickleball movie The Dink can play America's fastest-growing sport?
Well, you might get an answer soon enough... at least when it comes to actors Jake Johnson and Mary Steenburgen, who are featured in the highly anticipated film produced by Ben Stiller.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Television Academy Foundation announced on Wednesday that the 2025 Emmys Pickleball Slam fundraiser, benefiting the Foundation and the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter's Fund, will be held on Sunday, May 18, at the Calabasas Pickleball Club in Calabasas, CA.
Johnson and Steenburgen will be joining a host of fellow celebrity participants, including Valentin Chmerkovskiy (Dancing with the Stars), Jason George (Grey's Anatomy), Lala Kent (Vanderpump Rules), Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race), Steven Krueger (Yellowjackets), Jonathan Mangum (Let's Make A Deal), Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory), Tig Notaro (The Morning Show) and Sugar Ray Leonard (World champion pro boxer).
UPA Tour pros Maggie Brascia, Mary Brascia, Wes Burrows and Gabriel Joseph will also be participating in the festivities.
"This event is a powerful example of what happens when two incredible communities — first responders and entertainment professionals — come together for a greater cause," said John Marasco, LAFD Captain II and Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter's Fund trustee. "Our firefighters put everything on the line to protect lives, and it means the world to see the Television Academy Foundation rally behind them during such a challenging time. The support brings not just financial relief but also emotional strength to the families of our firefighters impacted by the January 2025 California wildfires."
Proceeds from the Emmys Pickleball Slam will support the Foundation's core education programs and the WODFF's "Wildfire Fund," which distributes 100% of donations directly to firefighter families affected by California's Eaton and Palisades wildfires.
Tickets are available to the public for playing in the tournament and as a spectator.
The price for a single player is $550, and spectators are $300 each.
Related articles

Pickleball pop culture recap for November 2025
It was another busy month in the picklesphere.
1 day ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Katie Couric shares love of pickleball: 'The more I played, the better I got'
The renowned journalist was a guest on the Pickleballtv series 'Celebrity Pickleball' with Matt Manasse.
16 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championships was 'marquee pickleball event of the year'
There's nothing like it anywhere on the planet.
24 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Celebrity Pickleball Showdown at Brookhaven brought energy, ATPs, and high-level play
The stands were packed for an enjoyable exhibition that delivered the goods.
29 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy