CHARLOTTE COUNTY – The Tringali Park Recreation Center, located at 3460 North Access Road in Englewood, will host the Paddle for a Purpose Thanksgiving Pickleball Tournament and food drive at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 15.
The event will feature friendly competition with prizes for the winning team. Registration costs $5 per player. Participants will receive one raffle ticket for every shelf-stable food item donated. All collected items will support local food pantries.
“The Thanksgiving Pickleball Food Drive Tournament fosters a sense of community alongside fun competition,” said Tringali Park Coordinator Joele Kirkpatrick. “Our players get to do what they love and help local families in need at the same time. This event connects recreation with helping others, making each game a chance to help our neighbors over the holidays.”
The most needed food items include canned fruits and vegetables, boxed stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, canned gravy or gravy packets, cranberry sauce, canned soup or chili, canned tuna or chicken, shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives, breakfast cereal or oatmeal, granola bars or snack packs, baby food and formula.
Anyone wishing to donate food without participating in the tournament can drop off items at Tringali Park Recreation Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Registration opens October 15. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/PaddleForAPurpose25 or call 941-681-3742.
