DAY/TIME:

Saturday November 7, 2026

LOCATION:

Sportime Kings Park

275 Old Indian Head Rd
Kings Park, NY 11754

Times Availible: 

5pm-9pm

Tournament Divisions- Tennis and Pickleball

Women's Doubles Open- $130

Men's Doubles Open- $130

Mixed Doubles Open- $130

Individuals- $75 (we will match you with a partner)

Eat, Drink and Watch -$40

ALL TICKETS INCLUDE DINNER, ADULT BEVERAGE or SODA

Contact

Jason Adams

jason@loveservingautism.org

(813) 480-5629

About Love Serving Autism

What is Love Serving Autism?

Love Serving Autism is a national nonprofit that uses racquet sports to help people with autism and other developmental challenges grow. We serve participants from age 3 through adulthood with specialized therapeutic tennis, pickleball and padel programs. Each session builds physical skills, but the real goals are communication, social connection, inclusion and emotional well-being.

How did it start?

Our founder, Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, is a speech-language pathologist and certified autism specialist who saw how much kids on the spectrum responded to tennis. She designed a program that blends therapy techniques with on-court instruction, and Love Serving Autism became a 501(c)(3) in August 2016. It has since grown from one local program into a national organization.

What keeps you going?

"Love Serving Autism's mission is to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with autism. When you see their faces on the court, when you see the emotions they display... we know that it is making an impact." — Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, founder of Love Serving Autism

What does a typical session look like?

Coaches trained in our methods lead small groups, with volunteers working one-on-one or in small groups with participants. Players progress through the same ball levels as any junior tennis pathway, starting with red ball. Along the way, we build in communication and life skills, like following directions, taking turns and asking for help.

Love Serving Autism on Long Island and in New York

What is happening on Long Island?

Our Long Island program runs at Sportime Kings Park and is led by Coach Greg Balk. Sportime has been a great partner, hosting our classes and having their own coaches go through Love Serving Autism training so more of their staff can work with our players.

How big is the program across New York and New Jersey?

As of this summer, our New York and New Jersey programs had served a combined 1,161 participants in 2026. We run programs in community settings and in schools, including New York City public schools in Brooklyn. With new programs coming online, we expect to serve around 1,500 participants a year in the region.

Why do racquet sports work so well for this population?

Tennis and pickleball are lifelong sports that families can play together. They are structured and predictable, which helps many of our players feel comfortable. They also create natural chances to communicate: calling a score, saying "ready," or high-fiving a partner. Those small moments carry over into school, home and the community.

The November 7 FUNdraising Social Tournament

What is the event?

It's a social tennis and pickleball tournament at Sportime Kings Park on Saturday, November 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. The emphasis is on the "fun" in fundraising. It's a relaxed evening of play, dinner and community, all in support of our programs.

Who can play, and how do divisions work?

There are Women's, Men's and Mixed Doubles Open divisions in both tennis and pickleball. You can register with a partner, or sign up as an individual and we'll match you with one. Players of all levels are welcome.

What if I don't play?

Come anyway. The Eat, Drink and Watch ticket is $40 and gets you into the evening to cheer on the players and enjoy dinner with the community.

What does it cost, and what's included?

Doubles registration is $130 per team, individual registration is $75 and spectator tickets are $40. Every ticket includes dinner and an adult beverage or soda.

How do people sign up?

Registration is open now at secure.qgiv.com/for/newyork-newjersey/event/lsatournament and closes Sunday, November 1, at 11:59 p.m. People who can't attend can donate on the same page.

Impact and getting involved

Where does the money go?

Proceeds support Love Serving Autism programs in New York. That funding covers trained coaches, court time, equipment and scholarships, so families can take part regardless of cost.

How else can people help?

Volunteer. Our programs rely on volunteers working side by side with players, and we provide the training. High school students can earn community service hours. Anyone interested can apply at loveservingautism.org. Families looking for a program can find class listings and registration on the same site.

What do you hope people take away from the night?

We want people to leave having had a great time on the court and knowing they helped give a kid on the spectrum a place to play, connect and belong. Many of our players have never had a team or a sport of their own. Events like this help make that possible.