Since the release of her debut album in 2001 Katy Perry has been making history and breaking records. On October 22, global icon Katy Perry & Friends hosted the first annual Light Up The Court Pickleball Tournament which took place at the Montecito Club in Santa Barbara, California. This was not only a fun and competitive sporting event but also a charitable endeavor with all proceeds going to the Firework Foundation. The foundation, founded in 2019 by Katy Perry and her sister Angela Lerche, is committed to empowering children from underserved communities by nurturing their artistic talents and inner firework.
The tournament featured a diverse range of players, including celebrities like Jason Collins, Kate Hudson, James Valentine, Lauren Sanchez, Corey Gamble, Meghan Trainor, Daryl Sabara, Rob Lowe, and John Owen Lowe, along with local pickleball enthusiasts and professional pickleball players Federico Staksrud, Mary Brascia, Maggie Brascia, and Thomas Wilson.
One of the many highlights of the event was a mic’d exhibition match, which saw Katy Perry and Federico Staksrud facing off against Orlando Bloom and Maggie Brascia. After an intense match, Team Katy emerged as the victors with a score of 13-11.
The Firework Foundation had camp counselors from its Camp Firework program on hand to distribute custom camper-designed Katy Perry Collections shoes and share information about the foundation’s marquee initiative—a 3-day sleep-away camp that provides up to 90 kids from underserved communities with the opportunity to explore their artistic talents and bring their newfound skills back to their communities. The foundation also collaborates with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, LAAMP, Young Producers Group, and FIDM on music and mentorship programs and leadership training for camp alumni.
The Light Up The Court Pickleball Tournament exemplified the power of combining sports, entertainment, and philanthropy to make a positive impact on the lives of underserved communities.
To learn more about The Firework Foundation visit fireworkfoundation.org and follow them on Instagram.
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