Number of Participants: 40
Hours Donated: 2
Value of Time Served: $2,783
Event Type: Children & Youth
Activity: Other
School: Harborfields High School
Date: March 6, 2026
Location:
Harborfields High School
Taylor Avenue, Greenlawn
NY
About:
Students at Harborfields High School recently combined fun, competition, and compassion through a special after-school fundraising event called “Pickleball for a Purpose.”
Organized by the school’s Christian Club and advisor Stefan Serie, the event brought together more than 40 students and staff members who teamed up to compete in a spirited double-elimination pickleball tournament. The event created an energetic and welcoming atmosphere while focusing on a meaningful goal—raising funds to support children in need.
All proceeds from the tournament benefited Family Legacy, an organization dedicated to supporting under-resourced children in Africa by providing essential needs such as food, shelter, education, and clean water.
The initiative was inspired and led by Harborfields student Anderson Howe, whose personal experiences volunteering in Africa motivated the club to take action. After traveling to Zambia five times and working directly with Family Legacy, Howe shared his passion with fellow students and helped rally the school community to organize the fundraiser and support the organization’s mission.
Anderson’s commitment to service extends far beyond this event. As President of Athletes Helping Athletes, he has helped lead initiatives that foster a positive school culture and encourage community outreach. He mentors younger students, promoting sportsmanship, leadership, and positive decision-making both on and off the field.
He has also been actively involved with Corey’s Promise, helping organize a Color Run that raised awareness and funds for families affected by pediatric cancer.
Over the past five years, Anderson has dedicated significant time to volunteering with Family Legacy in Zambia. During his visits, he worked to build relationships with children and help secure financial support in the United States for their medical care, education, and daily needs.
Anderson and his family also founded Wondersprout Academy, a school in Zambia that currently serves 300 students, providing both educational and emotional support. As part of his work, Anderson helped maintain records tracking student grades and health. Recognizing the challenges many students face without electricity, he also helped launch a Solar Light initiative, providing solar-powered lights so students can read and study after sunset.
By bringing the Harborfields community together through a fun and engaging event, “Pickleball for a Purpose” demonstrated how student leadership and compassion can create a meaningful impact both locally and globally.
Reflecting on Anderson’s contributions, Robert Franco, Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics at Harborfields High School, shared:
“He is an incredible young man, and we could not be more proud of him.”
Events like this highlight the power of student-driven service, showing how young leaders can turn inspiration into action while making a difference in communities around the world.
