Play for Life – Sarasota’s Newest Foundation The Pickleball Club announces P4L.org at Members Appreciation Party
Sarasota, Florida – The Pickleball Club proudly introduced The Play for Life Foundation Inc., dedicated to improving the health, minds and lives of Youth, Veterans and First Responders, at their Member Appreciation Party, which took place at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing in Lakewood Ranch on 24 March 2022. Rear Admiral Brian McCarthy USNR(Ret), the CEO of The Pickleball Club, greeted 150 Club members and the newly ensconced Board of Directors of the Foundation. “We’re all excited about our foundation and the positive impact we will be able to make in our community. Pickleball is not only fun but a game for all ages. It’s great exercise, intergenerational, and a great way to meet new friends and keep families close.” The Foundation donates to youth, veterans, and first responder groups in Sarasota & Manatee counties a complete Club-N-Box. Each donation is packaged with nets, paddles, balls, and instructions on how to set up a court and play the game. The foundation was excited to announce their first Club-N-Box donation given to the NewGate School in Lakewood Ranch. The celebration showed the pickleball community’s enthusiasm for pickleball and the opportunity to socialize with their fellow club members. Excitement was in the air in anticipation of the new club opening this year at 1300 Sarasota Center Blvd. In addition to having fun, The Pickleballers engaged in a silent auction, donations, that raised over $20,000, enough to fund 16 Club-N-Box’s. Members jumped at the chance to support the community’s youth, veterans, and first responders through the sport they love. The Play for Life Foundation works within our communities to provide the many mental and physical benefits of pickleball for those who don’t have access to The Pickleball Club. The Play for Life Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Their staff volunteers their time and 100% of donated funds are applied to these constructive community programs within our Club’s market area. The Play for Life Foundation is a Giving Partner of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Youth P4L strives to fill our youth’s time with fun outdoor activities and get them away from screens. The foundation is targeting school-age youth to address the obesity problem. Program directors are encouraged to incorporate pickleball into their athletic programs. Since funding is always an issue, P4L donates a tailored kit filled with paddles, balls, and nets as well as training for the trainers. Veterans P4L honors the one who serves by helping disabled veterans, and those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The foundation has established special programs with the local Veterans’ Commission. Veterans play both at their meeting place and at the P4L facility. Pickleball is easy for everyone to play and easier than most activities for the disabled. Pickleball is a great release for those with PTSD. First Responders Pickleball provides many mental and physical benefits. P4L provides these benefits to fire, police, deputies, and EMTs who need a physical outlet. Special programs will be available to them remotely or at their facility. The foundation is developing special competition events between firehouses, law enforcement agencies, and Veteran organizations. The Pickleball Club offers all members who have served our Nation in uniform and first responders a 50% discount on their Club Initiation Fee and 10% off all purchases and services while a member.