Pickleball in the Sun is thrilled to announce our support for the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation's Pickle for a Purpose Pickleball Tournament! Join us on May 13th at Rally Pickleball in Charlotte, NC, for an incredible evening dedicated to raising brain health awareness and resources for those affected by Alzheimer's disease and concussions.

It's an honor to be part of this event, bringing together our pickleball community to make a meaningful impact.

Pickleball in the Sun's Heartfelt Involvement:

Laura Gainor, Founder & CEO, and Courtney Clark, Certified Pro Pickleball Player & Events Manager. Photos by CJ Foeckler.

I'm so excited to share that our very own Courtney Clark will be bringing her expertise and infectious energy to the Pickle for a Purpose Tournament as the head referee and emcee! Knowing Courtney, she'll make sure the games are fair, fun, and full of that signature pickleball spirit we all love.

And for me personally? Well, I'm incredibly excited to be stepping onto the court and partner up with Adam Pearce, the co-founder and Executive Director of LoveYourBrain.

Getting to partner with Adam and learn more about LoveYourBrain's mission, and contribute to their amazing work, is something I feel deeply honored to be a part of. We connected through a mutual friend, who shared their own journey with TBI, and it really brought home the importance of the work Adam and LoveYourBrain are doing. I can't wait to share the court with Adam and rally for brain health together.

I'm excited to play against NASCAR drivers and those lightning-fast pit crew experts, putting my own pickleball skills to the test.

Ryan Blaney Family Foundation - Pickle for a Purpose:

What is Pickle for a Purpose?

Get ready to rally for a great cause! This is more than just a pickleball tournament; it's a celebration with a powerful mission: providing meaningful assistance to individuals impacted by Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injuries.

The Blaney Family Mission:

"Our family has experienced firsthand the impact of Alzheimer's disease and concussions. These experiences changed our lives and inspired us to take action—not just for our family, but for others walking a similar path. Through the foundation, we are working to support families and caregivers, spread awareness about the importance of brain health, and encourage prevention. Your support means the world to us. Together, we’re bringing hope, resources, and education to those who need it most." - The Blaney Family

Event Details:

Date: May 13th - 5pm-11pm
Location: Rally in Charlotte, NC
Tournament Format: Scramble Style (all levels welcome)
Celebrity Tournament: Top teams play against NASCAR personalities and friends.
Evening Highlights: Dinner buffet, craft cocktails, gift bags, after-party with music, and a silent auction.
Impact: Funding support groups, respite care, memory care visits, caregiver retreats, concussion clinic scholarships, and youth helmet donations.
Expected Audience: 200+ in-person attendees, 1M+ live stream audience.

Why Partner?

Brand Exposure: Logo placement on event materials and promotional platforms.
Community Engagement: Connect with a passionate audience.
Brand Alignment: Show support for an impactful cause.

Get Involved:

Tickets & Partnerships: Purchase tickets and partnership packages at: rbffpickleball25.cbo.io
Contact Patty Aber: For partnership inquiries, contact Patty Aber, RBFF Managing Director, at patty@ryanblaneyfamilyfoundation.org.
Donate: Your financial and in-kind donations are greatly appreciated.

LoveYourBrain & Adam Pearce: My Pickleball Partner!

“I’m beyond excited to compete in the upcoming Ryan Blaney Family Foundation Pickleball Tournament! Pickleball is an incredibly accessible and inclusive sport, aligned with LoveYourBrain’s mission to promote physical well-being as part of holistic brain health. We are deeply grateful for the partnership with the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation, as funds raised at this event benefit organizations like LoveYourBrain and our life-changing programs. The Blaney family has been a tireless advocate for visibility and support for those affected by brain injury and concussion, including caregivers. I’m honored to compete alongside them for the future of brain health!” - Adam Pearce, Co-Founder & Executive Director of LoveYourBrain

About LoveYourBrain:

LoveYourBrain believes that mental, physical, and social well-being after brain injury should be accessible to all. They offer free, research-backed programs that integrate mindfulness, yoga, psychoeducation, nutrition, and community-building. Their research-backed programs are offered at no cost across the globe.

Learn more

Join us in making a difference! Your support will help the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation provide vital resources and support to those in need. I'm incredibly excited to get back up to Charlotte for this memorable event! Hope to see many of you there.

Sincerely,

Laura Gainor
Founder & CEO, Pickleball in the Sun