Hi, my name is Kevin. I’m an Anchorage resident of almost 13 years and I am heavily involved in the local volleyball community. Volleyball is my main passion in life, and that has been a constant. Something that has also been a constant is my desire to serve the community and make a positive difference in this lifetime. And that’s what leads me to where I am today, on a mission to combine my passion for volleyball and my civic duty to help those in need.

The Grand Sass Volleyball Tournament started as a late night thought that grew into this idea that felt larger than life but so achievable. Once the ideas started flowing, it felt like everything just fell right into place. Like it was meant to be. A volleyball tournament that raises money for a non-profit, amazing. But it’s much more than that. It’s a community event that can lead to community development. It’s a sporting event that could inspire the youth in our community to work hard and aim for the top. It’s a platform for a non-profit to speak about their mission and spread awareness.

And that is why I’m writing to you today. In order for this to be a success, we need the gracious support of those in our community that have the ability to make this happen. Donations, guidance, building connections. Whatever you can do to help is greatly appreciated!

The non-profit benefiting from this fundraiser is Adventure for Ava.

“Adventure for Ava is a nonprofit program focused on families with special needs. We provide safe and accessible adventures for families to make memories. Documenting their experience and sharing their inspiring stories with the world.

The greatest memories we have with Ava have been outside.

Before our daughters diagnosis, Ava had a love for the outdoors. As her condition evolved our adventures outside came to a halt. Consumed with hospital visits, therapies and time inside the house. We smile as we look back on the photos and videos of our adventures.

Today, we help other families like ours capture their memories by facilitating a suitable and accessible adventure based on the needs of the family. Documenting their experience using film and photos. Delivering a short film and collection of photos for the family to cherish forever.”

-Dan & Kristen Redfield (Ava’s Parents + Founders)

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to reach out to me, I’d be happy to chat!

Looking forward to your support in this endeavor,

Kevin Huynh

The Grand Sass Volleyball Tournament 2025

Grass AND Sand, the best of both worlds

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Start Time: 9:00AM

End Time: TBD (possibly until 6:00PM)

*Captains Meeting at 8:30AM

Registration:

• $50/player ($30 for the 4th) with a max roster of 4.

• Rosters can be finalized at a later time, enter TBD for team member info if needed.

• Payment must be completed by July 26th.

• List of Free Agents on Facebook Event if you need additional players.

The Purpose:

This tournament is 100% non-profit, meaning all proceeds will go towards the cost to run the tourney (court rentals, etc.), cash prize pool, and most importantly the remainder will go to Adventure for Ava.

"Our goal is to take families out on an adventure, tell their story and document their experience using video and photos. The videos will be published online and shared on social media for the world to see. The photos will be printed and given to the family to cherish forever. The best memories are those made outside. However for families with special needs getting there can be difficult. With your assistance we can help make a real difference in the lives of special needs families."

For more information, visit avasstory.org

The Format:

- 4 Grass Courts, 4 Sand Courts

- Coed 3 vs 3 (max of 4 on a roster)

- 1 woman per team, minimum (can be all women, cannot be all men)

- 16 Teams, maximum

- Coed Net Height

- Pool Play: 2 rounds of Round Robin Pool Play, 1 round played on grass and 1 round played on sand

- Gold and Silver Playoff Brackets based on Pool Play results

- Overall No. 1 seed will decide what the first round of Gold Bracket will be played on, Silver will play on the opposite. Each following round of Playoffs will switch playing surface.

- Pool Play: 1 set to 21, capped at 21

- Bracket Play: Best 2 out of 3, sets to 17 win by 2 cap at 21 (third set to 11, win by 2 no cap)

- Possibilities for crossover matches during Pool Play if teams are tied in standings

- Championship Match: Can alternate playing surfaces if both captains agree, otherwise will be played on the playing surface that Bracket Play started on (the surface the No. 1 seed chose)

The Rules:

- Outdoor rules

- Blocks do not count as a contact

- NO woman touch rule (like ASA)

- Grass: 10ft line will be used (back row attack for men)

- Sand: no front row/back row

- Serve order must be followed, rotation/position doesn't matter

The Prizes:

Cash Prizes will come from registration fees. Cash Prize amount may increase. Additional prizes may be awarded depending on donations/sponsorships.

GOLD

1st - $500

2nd - $300

3rd - $200

SILVER

1st - $150

2nd - $90

3rd - $60

TOTAL: $1300 in prizes! At least $1000* donated to Adventure for Ava from your Registration fee!

*Dependent on amount of registrations, cost of court rental, and insurance (if applicable).

The Goals:

1. Raise $20,000 for a local non-profit, as well as spread awareness for it.

2. Create an annual event by making The Grand Sass as successful as possible.

3. Have fun and come together to enjoy the sport that we all love.

Silent Auction:

Various items will be up for Silent Auction through the duration of the tournament, with all proceeds going to Adventure for Ava. Possible items include tickets, experiences, gift certificates, etc.

Service Ace-A-Thon:

Similar to a read-a-thon or walk-a-thon, we will have donors pledge a certain amount to donate for every Service Ace throughout the tournament. This is where spectators come in: they will help track these. Keeps them engaged in the game but also make sure we can raise as much money as possible.

Spectator Prizes:

We'll have various prizes to give out as well. Maybe for the loudest fan? Or maybe whoever makes the coolest sign? Perhaps to whoever tracks the most aces? Spectators can leave as winners too!

READ THIS: I really want to spread and grow the game of volleyball in our community while also making a direct, positive impact on a local non-profit organization. With our help, Adventure for Ava can continue to provide their one-of-a-kind services to Alaskans. Please spread the word! Even if someone doesn't play or know anything about volleyball, invite them to come watch as there will be prizes and activities for the crowd as well.

If you are looking for a team, make a post on the event page for everyone to see. Be sure to include if you have a preferred position, playing level/experience, etc. For example: "Hi, looking for a team to play on. I am usually a setter / outside / DS / etc. I played collegiately / A/BB / C/D for ASA/AOVA." I'll keep a list of Free Agents for everyone to see. Free Agents could even make a team if there is space!

Register here: https://forms.gle/FXSXrQ7JDgD9gaT16

Faceboon Event Link: