‘Pickleball Pros’ fundraise for the homeless

Long Island Pickleball Pros hosted their third annual pickleball tournament to fundraise for homeless woman and children living at Bethany House on March 5.

More than 30 Baldwin, Rockville Centre, and neighboring south shore community members raised more than $1500 for Bethany House — a Baldwin-based organization focused on supporting homeless woman and their children — with the Long Island Pickleball Pros — a pickleball clinic founded by Frank Milillo of Rockville Centre — at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center at 111 N. Oceanside Road.

The event started at 10 a.m. and began with opening remarks from Bethany House Board chairwoman Maryanne-Pedersen, along with Rockville Centre Mayor Fran Murray, and Village Trustee Emilio Grillo.

Milillo said he promoted Long Island Pickleball Pros’ fundraising tournament to his clients and friends on social media. He said pickleball players registered for the casual round-robin styled tournament on their website — LongIslandPickleballPros.com.

“Its really for beginners and casual players, and anyone else trying to get involved in pickleball or fundraising,” said Milillo. “It’s a good opportunity for my people to play in a fun tournament, and raise money for a good cause.”