Memorial Tournament Fundraisers & Legacy Events
Honor a legacy and bring people together to make an impact.

Channeling Grief into Support for People in Need
How communities move forward after devastation or loss is incredibility important. Channeling grief into impact brings people together and creates meaningful connection. Whether establishing a first-ever memorial tournament or adding a fundraising component to a long-standing event, raising money can bring people together when they need it most.
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Memorial and legacy events are held in memory of someone who has passed away or to honor someone who has contributed a remarkable legacy. These events give friends, family, and supporters a way to come together, share stories, and raise funds for cause typically related to the person being honored.
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Many families hold memorial tournaments to support nonprofits, launch or grow scholarship funds, or raise dollars for research and awareness. Consider picking a cause that aligns with the person you are honoring, their loss, or a group or organization they were passionate about.
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When planning an event to honor someone’s legacy, focus on elements that reflect who they were and what mattered to them. Share their story through photos, favorite quotes, or a short tribute that highlights their values, passions, and impact. Consider incorporating symbolic touches—like a moment of silence, their favorite color in the event design, or a playlist of songs they loved. Look for ways to create opportunities for others to share memories and participate personally and meaningfully. Legacy is about connection—help people feel it.
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Memorial events often center around sports and activities that reflect the personality or passions of the person being honored—creating a meaningful and joyful way for friends, family, and the community to come together. Common formats include cornhole and pickleball tournaments, golf scrambles, fun runs, and softball games, all of which allow for casual participation and easy conversation. Many events are structured with brackets, round robins, or open play to accommodate all skill levels. Adding elements like team t-shirts, custom signage, or a short remembrance ceremony before the event helps set the tone and keep the focus on connection, celebration, and shared memories.
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Keep a steady pace for a memorial tournament, with a combination of round robin and possibly an elimination round or two. This provides some friendly competition and an opportunity to incorporate fundraising elements like mulligans or do-overs, skills-based side games, raffles, long-toss pools, and more. Be sure to award some prizes and leave space for awards and a few words.
A powerful, user-friendly platform makes it easy.
Memorial tournaments require planning, coordination, and a delicate touch to honor and pay tribute in meaningful ways. RecDay eases the logistical burden, streamlining planning, registration, sponsorships, recognition, and everything in between.
The result: An event that keeps organizers and supporters focused on what matters most—honoring a loved one in a way that supports their legacy by making a broader impact.
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Ready to launch a memorial event?
The team at RecDay is here to help with everything from launching your event website to brackets and match schedules. Get in touch below to get started.