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Billy and Daniel Baldwin are leveraging their Hollywood connections and Long Island roots next month to take a swing at breast cancer.
On May 16–17, the Massapequa natives will host the inaugural Baldwin Pink Paddle Challenge at The Picklr Centereach.
The event serves as a benefit for the Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, an organization founded in honor of their mother and affiliated with Stony Brook Medicine.
Celebrity day: Saturday, May 16
The weekend opens with a star-studded exhibition and interactive play session from noon-3 p.m.
- Soccer icons: World Cups champions Michelle Akers and Sara Whalen.
- Radio and media: WFAN radio personality Gregg Giannotti.
- New York sports: Former New York Jets great Greg Buttle.
- TV and influencers: Sarah Vie from the CBS show “Living Abundantly,” Dr. Bill and Jennifer Aydin, and social media personality Dennis Appel.
- Pickleball pro: Bruno Faletto.
Following the matches, Billy Baldwin, 63, known for starring in such films as “Backdraft” and “Sliver,” and 65-year-old Daniel Baldwin, best known for his work in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” will host a cocktail party and charity auction from 4-6 p.m.
Public tournament: Sunday, May 17
On Sunday, the competition opens to the general public from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.. The tournament welcomes players of all skill levels, featuring mixed doubles brackets ranging from 3.0 to 4.5.
“This is home for us, and when we do something on Long Island, we go all in,” Billy Baldwin said, noting that the event is about making a real impact within their own community.
How to participate
All of the revenue from player entry fees is being donated directly to the Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. Saturday participants can choose from several tiers:
- Courtside access ($100): Access to watch the celebrity matches and join in on open play on outer courts.
- Play with the stars ($250): The opportunity to play in the celebrity tournament with or against the celebrity players and take photos.
- Smash for a cure ($1,000): Play with celebrity guests, receive premium swag and get access to the VIP post-play charity auction and cocktail party.
Sunday tournament registration is set at $70 per player.
The venue
The challenge will be held at The Picklr Centereach, a brand new 33,900-square-foot indoor facility featuring 11 professional-quality courts. The club offers a full-service pro shop, café, lounge and locker rooms.
Top: William Baldwin, left, and Daniel Baldwin attend Spike TV’s “One Night Only: Alec Baldwin” at the Apollo Theater on Sunday, June 25, 2017, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
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