Pickleball, Purpose, and Community: My Experience at PICKLEBRAWL 2 By Todd Lingel!

I’m still buzzing from the energy at the Dink and Dine Pickleball Park in Mesa last weekend. On March 8th, 2026, I had the privilege of attending PICKLEBRAWL 2, and it was truly an unforgettable experience.

First and foremost, I want to send a huge thank you to Marc Beilin and Tommy Ranger. The vision and hard work required to put together an event of this scale are immense, and they executed it flawlessly.

What struck me most wasn’t just the competition on the courts, but the spirit of the people involved. I loved the way everyone helped each other—it wasn’t just about winning a match; it was about a shared mission. This was a true community event with a heavy focus on a critical cause: curbing fentanyl and opiate use. Knowing that the proceeds go toward life-saving stem cell research, veteran suicide prevention, and youth outreach made every serve and volley feel significant.

The talent on hand was incredible. We had some intense pickleball games and it was a thrill to see big names like NBA legend Rick Barry getting involved, alongside so many other leaders and athletes who showed up to support the cause.

Between the launch of eZWay Arizona and the star-studded lineup—from MMA legends like Dan Severn to local civic leaders—the day was a massive milestone for Arizona media and charity work. It really lived up to the motto: “People, not Projects.”

If you couldn’t make it out to Mesa this time, I encourage you to learn more about how this initiative is turning the tide against addiction. You can donate here to help fund life-saving research and veteran services.

To stay updated on my latest projects and community work, feel free to visit Kares Today. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Check me out on the eZWay Wall of Fame here. Join me in the eZWay Network here.