The Salartash Family Foundation’s Pickled Pink Breast Health Initiative held its first annual Pickled Pink Pickleball Tournament Saturday, October 26th at Pickle Juice Pickleball Club in Ventnor, New Jersey. The sold-out tournament was the first fundraising event for the SFF Pickled Pink Breast Health Initiative, formed with the goal of providing support for breast cancer patients at the AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute. Sixty-four players competed in a round robin tournament that welcomed beginner, intermediate, and advanced players. Spectators also lined the courts, cheering on players while purchasing Pickled Pink merchandise, participating in the silent auction, and enjoying food and beverage provided by Nobil Food Catering. Most importantly, the event concluded with the presentation of a check to AtlantiCare in the amount of $70,000.
“I love pickleball, and now that I’ve recovered, we play as a family, and I play with my friends a few times a week— it makes you feel good and seemed like the perfect feel-good activity to fundraise for our goals,” Salartash explains, while also extending her appreciation for the outpouring of support.
The SFF Pickled Pink Breast Health Initiative was founded by Mandanna Salartash following her own breast cancer diagnosis in October of 2023. After a surgery that November, Salartash reflected on her experience and the essential support she believes was instrumental in her recovery given the daily, post-surgical challenges. After encountering other patients who were battling their diagnoses alone, she felt compelled to build a network of support for those who don’t have one.
“No one should feel alone, especially during such a difficult time,” Salartash shares. “If they don’t have a network of their own, we have to figure out a way to build one for them.”
The $70,00 donation made to the AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute will go directly to helping anyone with a breast cancer diagnosis. This includes transportation to doctor and treatment appointments, wigs, post-surgical garments, and meal options.
As for the success of the event, a Save the Date was also announced at the evening’s end. The 2nd Annual Pickled Pink Pickleball Tournament will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025. For more information about the event, the organization, or how you can support the Pickled Pink Breast Health Initiative, visit pickledpink.net.
