FORT MYERS, Fla. - s4story -- Laughter echoed across the courts and new friendships took shape as dozens of local children and teens stepped onto the courts at Southwest Florida's newest pickleball facility for an unforgettable day of learning, mentorship and fun.

Nearly 50 youth supported by A.N.A.'s Friends, a nonprofit offering programs and services for children and teens who have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment, participated in a Heartfelt Hangout at PickleRage in south Fort Myers. Created by A.N.A.'s Friends to spark joy, build confidence and create meaningful connections, Heartfelt Hangouts give youngsters the opportunity to try new activities, develop valuable life skills and connect with peers who share similar circumstances in a welcoming environment.

Adding to the energy were ambassadors from Athletes Activating Champions & Empowerment (AACE), student-athletes dedicated to empowering young people through mentorship, leadership and encouragement. AACE ambassadors taught pickleball fundamentals, like serving, volleying and footwork, while spending time building relationships with the children. Through positive role modeling and personal connection, AACE ambassadors helped reinforce lessons in resilience, teamwork, self-confidence and sportsmanship, ensuring every participant left the courts feeling supported, inspired and eager for future opportunities.

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"It's great that the kids will leave today with knowledge of pickleball," said AACE founder Noah Moon. "But more importantly, they'll leave with great memories that build self-esteem, teach resilience and create positive relationships."

"Some of the most heartwarming things that come out of events like this is when we hear a child that says, 'I didn't know anything about that and I can do it now,'" said A.N.A.'s Friends CEO Jessica Kaestner. "They find confidence. They're around their peers. They're around kids that are building them up."

A.N.A's Friends supplied each participant in the Heartfelt Hangout with a pickleball paddle and ball customized with the A.N.A.'s Friends and AACE logos. AACE gave attendees Heartfelt Hangout t-shirts, lunch from Dave's Neapolitan Pizza and a sweet treat from Southern SnoBalls.

To learn more about future opportunities with AACE, please visit AACEToEmpower.org/Contact.

To partner with A.N.A.'s Friends for a Heartfelt Hangout experience, please call 239-245-7787 or visit ANAsFriends.org.