Jordyn and Kyle Kelman '27 Raise $12,425 for Fuller Center and Triple Their Impact

There are moments when generosity becomes something truly inspiring. Jordyn '27 and Kyle Kelman '27 created one of those moments, turning passion, purpose, and a love for pickleball into meaningful change for the children of Fuller Center.

Last year, through the Great Charity Challenge, Jordyn and Kyle raised an impressive $4,000 in support of Fuller Center. It was a great start, reflecting both their commitment and connection with the organization. But what they accomplished this year tells an even bigger story of vision, heart, and follow-through.

In March of 2026, during their spring break, they launched the first annual Jordyn and Kyle Kelman Pickleball Tournament at Dixson Pickleball Club to benefit Fuller Center. The event sold out in less than 48 hours, highlighting the community's respect and admiration for these two young leaders. At the conclusion of the event, they raised an incredible $12,425, more than tripling their impact from the year before and enough to “adopt” the classroom and help provide resources and support for the children they work with each week.

Jordyn and Kyle brought the entire experience to life. Through their work organizing the event, they secured sponsorships, organized food donations, and created raffles that brought the community together in a fun and meaningful way. Every detail showed intention, care, and a genuine desire to create an event that inspired fun and helped the children of Fuller Center.

Jordyn and Kyle didn’t just show up for a single event or fundraiser. Since 2023, beginning at just 14 years old, they have been actively volunteering in the classrooms at Fuller Center. They have spent time with the children, built relationships, and invested themselves in the day-to-day work that often goes unseen. Their efforts are not about recognition. They are about connection, consistency, and care.

“We are incredibly proud of Kyle and Jordyn for the initiative and leadership they demonstrated through this event,” said Fuller Center CEO Eric Roby. “Fuller Center’s work is made possible by the support of our community, and seeing young leaders step forward to champion our mission is especially meaningful. Their efforts will directly support early childhood education for the children they mentor, helping ensure they have the strong foundation needed to succeed in school and in life.”

Jordyn and Kyle’s involvement and leadership in fundraising create a powerful example for others. It shows what is possible when young people are given the space to lead with both heart and purpose. It reminds the community that impact is not measured only in money raised, but also in time given, relationships built, and lives touched.

The success of this year’s tournament marks the beginning of something with the potential to grow year after year, reaching more children and inspiring more people to get involved. Jordyn and Kyle Kelman have set a new standard, not only for what a fundraiser can achieve, but for what it means to truly show up consistently for a cause.

Their story is one of compassion in action, and it will continue to ripple through Fuller Center and beyond.