Pictured: (l-r) Tracey Coakes and Liz Bond, community residents and voluteers with Baby Basics of Sarasota County, Inc. Photo by Kathy Schwartz.

On Saturday, February 1, pickleball players at Esplanade/Legacy Estates of Palmer Ranch gathered for the community’s fifth annual Street Brawl. The competition featured 11 pickleball teams, each representing a different street in the neighborhood, all vying for bragging rights and a coveted “winner” label to adorn their street sign. 

The event also served as a fundraiser for Baby Basics of Sarasota County, Inc., an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides diapers, wipes and support to working, low-income families who do not receive governmental assistance. Currently, there are 155 children in the program. Baby Basics also promotes literacy through a partnership with the Library Foundation for Sarasota County. 

“Our Pickleball Street Brawl is the most requested event in our community,” shares tournament organizer, Kathy Schwartz. “Residents love to show their support for the work that goes into this event by donating to the wonderful charity, Baby Basics of Sarasota.”

Players and spectators of this year's Brawl rallied in support with generous donations that were later delivered to families in need by community members who volunteer with Baby Basics. Saturday’s tournament raised $2,200 and much needed supplies–including 31 children’s books and 50 packs of baby wipes–for Baby Basics. For all donations to the organization, The Flanzer Trust will match up to $500 At 100%. To learn more about Baby Basics, visit their website at: www.babybasicssarasota.org/

Pictured: (l-r) Tracey Coakes and Liz Bond, community residents and voluteers with Baby Basics of Sarasota County, Inc. Photo by Kathy Schwartz.

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