Casey Cares Tournament: Hundreds of local pickleball players and spectators gathered for the second annual Casey Cares Serve Up Smiles pickleball tournament on February 1 at Country Club East. This pickleball event supports Casey Cares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping critically ill children and their families.
Mission of Casey Cares
Founded in 2000 by Casey Baynes, Casey Cares addresses the needs of children with health issues beyond cancer. Baynes started the organization after meeting a child who wished for cancer to receive the same support that many cancer patients get.
“This little boy wished he had cancer so he could get cool stuff, too,”. “It was at that moment when I realized that he didn’t want cancer; he wanted someone to wrap their arms around him and say, ‘We got you, dude.’”(Casey Baynes)
Casey Cares has provided joy to over 1,600 critically ill children and their families. The organization offers tickets to events such as sports games and concerts and organizes fun activities like pajama parties and birthday surprises.
Participant Experience
Chris Neher Jr., 17, who has cystic fibrosis, competed in the tournament with his father, Chris Neher Sr. Neher Jr. shared his experiences with Casey Cares, mentioning the fun events he attended, including Tampa Bay Rays games.
“I used to play pickleball every day,” he said. “I took a little break, but I’m getting back into it.”(Chris Neher Jr.)
The pickleball tournament included friendly competition, with participants vying for medals and bragging rights. Attendees enjoyed food, beverages, a silent auction, a raffle, local vendors, and the option to buy mulligans during play.
Community Support and Hope
“Whatever these families need, whatever they want, we’re there to support them and provide that hope,”. “Unfortunately, a lot of these families have to cram a lifetime worth of memories into a few short years, but we’re there to do it.”(Casey Baynes)
The Casey Cares Serve Up Smiles pickleball tournament highlights the importance of community support for families facing health challenges. Events like this not only provide joy but also foster connections among participants and supporters, promoting awareness and involvement in helping those in need.
News in Brief: Casey Cares Tournament
The second annual Casey Cares Serve Up Smiles pickleball tournament on February 1 at Country Club East brought together local players and spectators to support critically ill children and their families. The pickleball event featured friendly competition, food, and fundraising activities, showcasing the community’s commitment to providing joy and support.
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