It was a fantastic sunny day for Florida pickleballers! On February 10th, Lakewood Ranch Country Club (East) hosted the Casey Cares Serve Up Smiles Pickleball Tournament as women's and men's teams rallied on the court to play pickleball in support of the Casey Cares Foundation. The tournament was filled with friendly competition, giveaways, prizes, and the shared goal of making a difference in the lives of critically ill children.

Proceeds from the event, presented by Acentria Insurance, will benefit our programs that provide enjoyable activities to critically ill children and their families. Donation boxes were available to accept gift cards and new pajamas for the popular Kami's Jammies and Hammy's Heart initiatives. Hammy's Heart offered grocery assistance to families burdened by medical bills, while Kami's Jammies supplied sleepwear to kids and families undergoing treatment.

Casey Cares Foundation serves over 190 critically ill children and their families in Florida, making a significant impact on their lives. During the tournament, Dillon, a Casey Cares child diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, and his family had the opportunity to share their story and express the impact Casey Cares had on their lives.

Congrats to our winners!

• Women's Team: RaeAnn Fein and Amy King & Becca Thomas and Giovanna Ramos
• Men's Team: George Prince and Blaine Laverick & Denis Cooper and JB Sassano

We are grateful to all the participants who hit the courts and supported our kids! Your involvement made a significant impact, and we thank you for your dedication to serving the Casey Cares Foundation and the children and families it supports.

Thanks to all of our sponsors who helped make our inaugural tournament such a success!

Platinum Sponsors: Craig & Lee Ann Reich, Allison Archer & Steven Eichenbaum, Patti & Tim O'Neill, and Laura Stavola with Premier Sotheby's International Realty

Court Sponsors: Blain & Kimberly Laverick and Phoenix National Disaster Response

Team Sponsors: Melba Jimenez with Michael Sanders & Company, Nancy Ebel with Hill's Travel Service, Soleta, Novo Nordisk, Align Direct Primary Care, Smoothie King, Face Foundrie, Jetset Pickleball, Tony & Ellen Ramy, Sue & Steve Deramo, Keith & Amy King, Chris & Michele Caba, Yvette & David Varnadore, Paradise Aquatic Pool Services, Frederick Mahon Mortgage Team, Suncoast Buying & Selling Team, Conway Golf Performance, and Stock Development

Gherkin Sponsor: The Pickleball Club

Partners: Dwell, Joola, The Lume Kitchen, Card My Yard Lakewood Ranch, Total Wine & More,  Bradford Portraits, Jacksonville Jaguars, Wow Wow Lemonade Stand, Jennifer Jordan with LTM Balloons, Addict Pickleball, Healthy Bites Catering, Restore Hyper Wellness, N2U Salon 7 Spa, and BJ's

Watch more about the event here thanks to 10 Tampa Bay! Plus, see more photos here!