Stop Alzheimer’s Now Raises $115,000 at 2026 Steamboat Open Charity Pickleball Tournament

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo.—June 7, 2026—Stop Alzheimer’s Now (SAN), an organization founded in 2013 by North Star Resource Group Senior Vice President Shaun McDuffee, AEP, CLU®, ChFC®, CEPA®, to advance awareness and research objectives surrounding Alzheimer’s, is proud to announce the tremendous success of the 2026 Steamboat Open Charity Pickleball Tournament. Hosted at the Steamboat Springs Tennis & Pickleball Complex, the three-day event welcomed more than 200 registered players and raised an incredible $115,000, with 100% of player registration fees and funds raised going directly to cure-focused Alzheimer’s disease research.

The annual tournament brought together pickleball players from across the country for a weekend of spirited competition, community connection and charitable impact. Players competed across multiple divisions, showcasing the passion, sportsmanship and competitive energy that have made the Steamboat Open one of the premier charity pickleball events in the region.

While the action on the courts was outstanding, the true highlight of the weekend was the overwhelming generosity of the Steamboat Springs community. Local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, players, spectators and supporters once again demonstrated their commitment to advancing Alzheimer’s disease research and helping families affected by the disease.

“This event continues to exceed our expectations because of the incredible people who make up the Steamboat community,” said McDuffee. “Steamboat is truly a community of givers. Year after year, people show up with generous hearts and a shared commitment to making a difference. There is also a natural connection between our mission and the sport of pickleball. Research continues to show the importance of healthy lifestyles, physical activity and social connection for brain health. Pickleball brings all of those things together, and we’re proud to partner with a community that embraces both healthy living and giving back.”

SAN also extended its gratitude to the Steamboat Springs Tennis & Pickleball Complex and its dedicated staff, whose partnership and support have helped elevate the event into a signature fundraiser for Alzheimer’s research.

“The partnership between Stop Alzheimer’s Now and our pickleball community continues to be something very special,” added Jayson Harris, Director of Pickleball at the Steamboat Springs Tennis & Pickleball Complex. “Every year, we see players, volunteers, local businesses and community members rally around this cause in remarkable ways. We are proud to host an event that not only showcases great competition but also reflects the generous spirit of Steamboat Springs and our commitment to giving back.”

Funds raised through the 2026 Steamboat Open will help support SAN’s research mission, including a $100,000 research grant that will be awarded this year to leading investigators at Baylor College of Medicine. This grant will fund innovative, cure-focused Alzheimer’s research projects aimed at accelerating breakthroughs and advancing potential treatments.

Since its founding, Stop Alzheimer’s Now has remained committed to funding promising research that may otherwise struggle to receive traditional funding, helping move innovative ideas closer to meaningful solutions for patients and families.

“As we celebrate another successful Steamboat Open, we do so with immense gratitude,” McDuffee added. “We are thankful for every player, volunteer, sponsor, donor and supporter who helped make this event possible. Together, we are creating hope for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and helping fund the research that could ultimately lead to a cure.”

About Stop Alzheimer’s Now
Stop Alzheimer’s Now (SAN) is a nonprofit dedicated to funding cure-focused Alzheimer’s disease research. Through community events and grassroots fundraising, SAN has raised over $1 million to support groundbreaking research that aims to end Alzheimer’s once and for all. To learn more about Stop Alzheimer’s Now, visit www.stopalzheimersnow.org.

About North Star Resource Group
North Star Resource Group is a Minneapolis-based financial services firm that provides both individuals and businesses with the resources to help create, preserve and protect their wealth. North Star has more than 200 full-time advisors and over 218 employees. In a network of 43 offices in over 17 states, they have contributed to the financial security and well-being of over 150,000 individuals and small businesses.* To learn more about North Star Resource Group, visit www.northstarfinancial.com.

*Data as of 12/2025

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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Jenna Turton at 651.983.0738 or email her at jenna.turton@northstarfinancial.com.