NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Carter Blatt, an incoming junior at Council Rock High School North is on a mission to empower wellness and inspire change and he’s looking to the community for its support.
On Sunday, Sept. 8 from 3 to 6 pm he will be hosting a community fundraiser, “Pickleball With A Purpose,” at the Northampton Tennis and Fitness Center to raise funds for the Child Mind Institute in support of student mental health.
The internationally renowned nonprofit is known for its groundbreaking research and clinical care for adolescent mental health, brain development and learning disabilities.
The three-hour event will feature pickleball match play, guidance from certified instructors, food and drinks, and raffle baskets and gifts donated by the business community. Admission is $25.
If you don’t play pickleball, that’s okay, said Carter. “You can still come to the event to watch the games, eat food and participate in the raffle baskets and fundraising.”
The Child Mind Institute is close to Carter’s heart.
At the age of 13, he suffered a major concussion while playing soccer.
“This pivotal moment not only changed my perspective on life but also knocked me down into a world of uncertainty and challenges,” he said. “Although this had not been my first concussion, this horrific event created extreme barriers that seemed impossible to overcome. Simple daily tasks became monumental hurdles.”
Throughout his year-long recovery, he learned an immense amount about himself and the mental strength it takes to overcome such obstacles.
“My journey to recovery, not only included mental health struggles from feeling socially isolated from my peers but also eroded my confidence in the classroom,” he said.
“If it were not for the care I was provided, I could not have overcome the challenges I faced,” he said.
After several years of wanting to turn his pain into purpose, he founded the Serve Wellness Foundation, actively partnering with the Child Mind Institute (CMI). CMI operates under three Mission Areas which work together for the greatest impact – Care, Education, and Science.
CMI, he said, is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disabilities by assisting them with tools to help them thrive.
“Help me on my mission to create a community of acceptance and development,” said Carter when asked what his ask is of the community.
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After his second concussion, Carter decided it was time to change sports and switched to tennis where he found his second love of his life. At about the same time, his family moved to Upper Makefield and he started school at Council Rock High School North in his freshman year.
This school year will be his second as captain of the tennis team. He also finds time to teach tennis at the Northampton Tennis and Fitness Center. For more information about Sundays fundraiser or to make a donation in support of Carter, click here to visit his Go Fund Me page.
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