“Annual Play Your Heart Out for Save a Child’s Heart Event Draws Over 100 Athletes to Support Life-Saving Cause”
The annual Play Your Heart Out for Save a Child’s Heart event brought together more than 100 athletes at the Marcus Jewish Community Center gym on Saturday, Sept. 7. What started as a simple 3-on-3 basketball tournament eight years ago has now evolved into a multi-event extravaganza including a walk/run, yoga, and competitions in wiffleball, basketball, and pickleball.
The event was inspired by Brad Rosen, who had the idea after a mission trip to Israel sponsored by the Frank family. Meeting with Rabbi Spike Anderson, who was on the board at Save a Child’s Heart, Rosen was motivated to start an Atlanta chapter to support the organization’s mission of providing life-saving cardiac surgery to children in need.
Members of Save a Child’s Heart U.S., such as Young Leadership Director Nancy Pardo and Board Director Vivian Bass, emphasized the impact of the event in funding surgeries for children from around the world. Over the years, Play Your Heart Out has funded dozens of children and contributed to saving over 7,000 lives.
The event also celebrated graduating seniors who have been dedicated to the cause, like Macy Meyers, Darron Beldick, and Ryan Altman. Altman, who won the championship for the 3v3 basketball tournament, expressed his initial involvement in the event for the love of basketball but soon realized the importance of supporting such a worthy cause.
The pickleball tournament, held at the new Eva G. Lipman Pickleball Complex, saw participants of varying skill levels, including the 2022 U.S. Open champion, Frank Solana. Winners like Lisa Freedman and Jake Summerfield shared their excitement for being able to contribute to Save a Child’s Heart through their participation.
In the end, the event raised $80,000, equivalent to saving five children’s lives. The winners of the various events were recognized in the Winner’s Circle, highlighting the success and impact of the day’s activities. Overall, Play Your Heart Out for Save a Child’s Heart was a testament to the community coming together for a meaningful cause.
