2nd Annual Dinks & Drives for Dragonflies: A Smashing Success!
The courts were buzzing with excitement at The Yards Pickle Garden on Saturday, March 8, as Hearts 4 Minds hosted its 2nd Annual Dinks & Drives for Dragonflies pickleball tournament. With perfect weather, incredible energy, and a shared commitment to mental health awareness, this year's event brought together paddle power and purpose like never before.
Tournament Highlights
The day featured 40 teams of passionate pickleball players competing across three skill divisions: beginners, intermediate, and advanced. Spectators lined the courts, cheering on their favorite players while supporting a cause that touches countless lives in our community.
Throughout the tournament, players showcased impressive skills, sportsmanship, and dedication to the cause. The competitive spirit was matched only by the sense of community and connection that filled the venue.
Evening Celebration
As the sun set on an exciting day of play, participants, sponsors, and supporters gathered for our evening gala. The highlight of the night was a live interactive mural that attendees helped create, bringing to life the Hearts 4 Minds mission through art and collaboration.
Strategic Communications Executive at the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Vic Micolucci. served as emcee for the evening, guiding guests through a program that included a silent auction and celebration of the day's achievements.
"What makes this event so special is seeing our community come together not just for a fun day of pickleball, but to actively participate in changing how we approach mental health," said Sheryl Johnson, founder of Hearts 4 Minds. "Every serve, every smile, and every handshake represents another step toward making mental health support accessible to those who need it most."
Making a Difference
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our players, sponsors, and donors, this year's tournament was a tremendous fundraising success. Your support helps us continue to be proactive rather than reactive in addressing mental health needs in our community.
The funds from this event will directly support our full range of Hearts 4 Minds initiatives, beginning with our H4M Connect platform that helps link those in need with appropriate mental health resources. Funding will also life-saving QPR Training for suicide prevention, expansion of our impactful Murals with Meaning program, mental health workshops for schools and organizations, and much more.
Each initiative works toward our mission of reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and creating vital connections to mental health resources for those who need them most.
The Impact of Your Support
Your participation and contributions create real change in our community:
$4 connects 4 people to immediate crisis care
$40 protects 40 lives through suicide prevention training
$400 provides a month of round-the-clock crisis support
Join Our Mission
Couldn't make it to this year's tournament but still want to support Hearts 4 Minds? Visit our donation page to contribute today. Remember, Hearts 4 Minds is not a service provider but helps connect those in need to mental health support providers, reducing barriers and stigma along the way.
Thank you to everyone who made the 2nd Annual Dinks & Drives for Dragonflies tournament a tremendous success. Together, we're creating a community where mental health resources are accessible to all.
