The Play For Life Foundation, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization with a mission to improve the health and lives of youth, veterans and first responders, recently hosted a Heroes Breakfast at The Pickleball Club’s Lakewood Ranch location to honor local heroes. On Tuesday, Nov. 14, guests were treated to a gourmet breakfast in the Players’ Lounge at The Pickleball Club and heard from eight speakers on the impact their Club-N-Boxes had on their students, youth organizations, firefighters and law enforcement officers. They discussed how pickleball has helped everyone stay active and improved their overall health and well-being thanks to the low-impact nature of the sport, along with its cardiovascular benefits, improved balance and coordination, and social interaction. Adaptive equipment is planned for 2024, as well as the Battle of the Badge, a competition between first responders, and the Battle of Our Military Services, a competition between our veterans, Army, Navy, Air force and Marines. Presenters included Valerie McCarthy, executive director for the Play For Life Foundation and chief operating officer for The Pickleball Club; Brian McCarthy, retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, chairman and president of the Play For Life Foundation, and chief executive officer of The Pickleball Club; Stephen Beecher, administrative officer for East Manatee Fire Rescue; Jennifer Kahler, assistant principal Bay Haven School of Basics Plus and foundation board member; Joe Wiesman, assistant chief of police for Bradenton Police Department; Dr. Kyle Bradshaw, deputy chief of administration for Cedar Hammock Fire; Amber Rylak, physical education teacher for Emma E. Booker Elementary School; and Karen Conkel a Play For Life Foundation board member and master of ceremonies. Also present were foundation board members Linda Gould, Tim Tollette and Justin Salemy. The foundation has donated 87 Club-N-Boxes to its targeted organizations, some of which included the James Tillman Elementary School in Manatee County, the Bradenton Police Department, 10 East Manatee Fire Rescue Stations, Bay Haven School of Basics Plus, Girls Inc. of Sarasota and multiple branches of the Boys and Girls Clubs in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Each Club-N-Box cost $500 and impacts 250 people at an average cost of $2 a person. The youth, veterans and first responders also learned about the Cornerstone Society, the foundation’s annual donation program that provides funding for Club-N-Boxes to qualified recipients. Each Club-N-Box includes nets, paddles, balls and instructional materials, distributed to first responders, veterans and youth in our community. Organizations in Sarasota and Manatee counties encouraged to apply for their own Club-N-Box.