Pickleball tournament to benefit hurricane victims

The second annual Sarasota Slam Pickleball Tournament, which is organized by the Sarasota High School Tennis Foundation to support the school’s athletic programs, will donate a portion of its proceeds to those displaced and affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 16, at Pompano Park in Sarasota from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Singles and doubles will participate in a round robin-style tournament, from which 30% percent the proceeds will benefit All Faiths Food Bank specifically to help storm victims.

“Hurricane Helene and then Hurricane Milton’s devastating impacts on our entire community can be felt far and wide,” said event organizer Jennifer Stutler. “As you can imagine, many hospitality workers are out of jobs while hotel and restaurant owners rebuild. Many of them live paycheck to paycheck. Food security is a real concern.”

Last year's inaugural event hosted 131 players and 14 sponsors, raising $8,000 for equipment and coaching for SHS student athletes. The presenting sponsor for the 2024 Sarasota Slam is Seaward Development. Other sponsors include One Eight Oh PR, Benderson Development, Sweet Sparkman Architecture + Interiors, Gilbane Building, Stutler Strategies, US Submergent Technologies, Palm Printing and Royal Tees.

Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available. For more information or to register a team, contact Jennifer Stutler at [email protected].