The Junior League of Greenwich’s upcoming Enchanted Forest (TEF) event, a beloved community tradition, will have an exciting new addition this year—thanks to the donation from local woman-owned business 4Joy Paddles CEO Stacey Cleary.
The Connecticut-based company, founded by brain tumor survivor Stacey Cleary, donated a pickleball-themed tree to the 2024 Enchanted Forest, which kicks off on Friday evening, November 22 and runs to Sunday, November 24 at The Bruce Museum.
The Enchanted Forest, one of the area’s longest-running fundraising events, has been a cherished part of the Greenwich community for nearly five decades.
It serves as an important fundraiser for the Junior League of Greenwich, which supports a variety of local programs and initiatives that focus on education, health, and community service.
This year, 4Joy Paddles is excited to contribute a unique and joyful twist to the event—a pickleball-themed tree—helping to raise both funds and awareness for this rapidly growing sport.
A Joyful Partnership for a Good Cause
Pickleball, a sport that has seen explosive growth in recent years, is now one of the most talked-about activities in communities across the country, including in Greenwich. Known for its ability to bring people together, pickleball is more than just a fun way to get exercise; it’s a social sport that promotes healthy living and community building. The popularity of the sport has skyrocketed, with players of all ages and skill levels embracing it as a way to stay active, engage socially, and enjoy some friendly competition.
4Joy Paddles, which creates high-quality, artistically-designed pickleball paddles, is on a mission to spread that joy even further. Through their donations to various health-related causes, 4Joy Paddles is not only helping to raise awareness of the sport but also contributing to important community initiatives. This year, they are proud to support the Junior League of Greenwich and its impactful work by donating a pickleball-themed tree to the Enchanted Forest. The tree, creatively designed with pickleball elements, will be featured as part of the silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting the League’s mission.
The Story Behind 4Joy Paddles
At the heart of 4Joy Paddles is Stacey Cleary, a passionate entrepreneur whose journey as a brain tumor survivor inspired her to create a company that gives back. After facing and overcoming her own health challenges, Stacey wanted to find a way to combine her love of pickleball and her vision for colorful, joyful eye-catching designs with her desire to make a positive impact. 4Joy Paddles was born out of her belief that the sport of pickleball can bring joy, build connections, and promote overall well-being. Their flagship product, the Premio series, caters to players of all skill levels, offering a versatile paddle that excels in both performance and style. Each paddle face showcases stunning hand-drawn artwork, ensuring they stand out on the courts and spark conversations among players.
Stacey’s mission-driven approach to business is clear in everything 4Joy Paddles does. The company donates a portion of its profits to four key health-related causes: Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, American Cancer Society, Ovarian Cancer Research, and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. “I started 4Joy to share the joy I found in pickleball after my health challenges,” says Stacey. “Pickleball is not just a sport—it’s a way to bring people together, regardless of age or background. It’s about health, joy, and community, and I am so grateful to be able to give back while promoting this wonderful sport.” Visit their website at 4joypaddles.com to view their unique paddles and learn how to elevate your game. The paddles are perfect holiday gifts for people who want to try the sport or others looking for a better paddle that offers a blend of control and power without the boring, plain black paddle face offered by most other manufacturers.
Supporting the Junior League of Greenwich
The Junior League of Greenwich’s Enchanted Forest has been a staple in the community since 1972. Over the years, it has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support various programs and initiatives that have a lasting impact on the lives of local residents. In addition to offering a magical and festive experience for families, the event helps fund projects that address critical community needs, particularly in the areas of education, health, and family services.
The Enchanted Forest also serves as a way to bring together people from all walks of life. Each year, a portion of the tickets will be provided free of charge, allowing families from all backgrounds to attend and participate in the event. More than 1,200 guests attended last year’s Enchanted Forest, and this year’s event is expected to be just as successful, if not more so.
A Community Celebration
The Enchanted Forest is a special event for Greenwich families, providing an opportunity to enjoy a festive, magical experience while giving back to the community. With 4Joy Paddles’ in the mix, the 2024 Enchanted Forest will not only showcase the charm and creativity of its holiday displays but also highlight the growing influence of pickleball as a force for good.
As Stacey Cleary of 4Joy Paddles puts it, “I believe in the power of pickleball to promote health, create joy and bring people together. By supporting the Junior League of Greenwich, we’re not only helping to raise funds for important causes but also sharing the joy of pickleball with the community.”
Join the Junior League of Greenwich and 4Joy Paddles at the Enchanted Forest this November to experience the magic, support meaningful causes, and discover the joy of pickleball!