For four decades, the salt air and white sands of Pompano Beach have served as the backdrop for more than just a sports tournament. On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the community will gather once again for the 40th Annual All Heart Volleyball Challenge, a milestone event that transforms a competitive beach game into a critical lifeline for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The tournament is the signature fundraiser for the Ann Storck Center, a Fort Lauderdale-based nonprofit that has spent over 65 years carving out a sanctuary for those who often find themselves on the margins of society. While the day is defined by spikes, digs, and the energy of a beach crowd, the underlying mission is far more enduring: ensuring that children and adults with complex needs have access to the care, learning, and dignity they deserve.
Having covered five Olympics and three World Cups, I have seen sports used as a tool for diplomacy and a vehicle for glory. But there is a different kind of victory found in events like the All Heart Challenge. Here, the win isn’t measured by the trophy, but by the ability to sustain programs that provide permanent housing for 96 residents and daily support for more than 300 clients across South Florida.
A Legacy of Care in Fort Lauderdale
The Ann Storck Center did not begin as the comprehensive organization it is today. Originally founded as the Pediatric Care Center, the organization evolved in 1981, adopting the name it carries now. Over the decades, it has expanded its footprint to six separate sites, creating a spectrum of care that meets individuals wherever they are in their journey toward independence.
The center’s current infrastructure is a testament to the growth of the organization’s vision. Its facilities include a dedicated school and therapy center, an adult day training program, and two intermediate care facilities that offer specialized residential services. For those capable of a more autonomous lifestyle, the center operates four group homes embedded directly within the community, fostering a sense of belonging and integration that is often missing for those with developmental disabilities.
The proceeds from the June 13 tournament go directly toward maintaining these critical services. In a landscape where funding for developmental disability care can be volatile, the All Heart Volleyball Challenge provides a reliable annual infusion of capital that allows the center to focus on its clients rather than its balance sheet.
Tournament Format and Community Spirit
The 40th anniversary event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming both seasoned athletes and those who simply want to spend a day in the sun for a good cause. The tournament features co-ed volleyball teams competing in either competitive or recreational divisions, ensuring that the spirit of the game remains accessible to all skill levels.
The logistics of the day are structured to maximize both participation and fundraising. Teams must consist of a minimum of six players and a maximum of eight. To ensure the event is a family affair, players under the age of 18 are welcome to participate provided they have a signed waiver. Beyond the court, the event functions as a beach festival, featuring music, raffles, and provided meals and beverages to keep the energy high from the early morning registration until the final whistle.
The event will take place at 270 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., just north of the Pompano Beach Pier. Organizers recommend that participants utilize the Pompano Beach Parking Garage at 3460 NE 3rd St. For the most convenient access to the tournament grounds.
Registration and Participation Costs
To accommodate different levels of commitment, the Ann Storck Center offers several entry points for participants. All registrations include a tournament shirt, meals, drinks, and access to prizes.
| Participant Type | Entry Cost | Team Size |
|---|---|---|
| Student Player | $30 | Individual |
| Individual Entry | $50 | Individual |
| Small Team | $300 | 6 Players |
| Medium Team | $350 | 7 Players |
| Full Team | $400 | 8 Players |
Corporate Backing and Local Impact
The longevity of the All Heart Challenge is largely due to the sustained support of the South Florida business community. For the 2026 event, several key sponsors have already stepped forward to underwrite the costs, ensuring that a larger percentage of the entry fees goes directly to client care.
Confirmed sponsors for the upcoming challenge include the Rick Case Automotive Group, Beach House, Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill, Oceanic, Gulf Stream Brewery, TDON, and Jet’s Pizza. Sponsorship opportunities remain open, with tiers ranging from $400 to $10,000, allowing local businesses to align their brand with a cause that has a tangible, daily impact on the Fort Lauderdale area.
This intersection of local commerce and philanthropy is what allows the Ann Storck Center to maintain its 501(c)(3) status and provide a safety net for families who might otherwise struggle to find specialized residential and learning services for their loved ones.
Event Timeline and Final Details
The day is paced to balance the intensity of the tournament with the celebratory nature of the 40th anniversary. The schedule is as follows:
- 7:30 a.m. – Registration opens for all teams and individual players.
- 8:00 a.m. – Tournament play officially commences.
- 7:30 a.m. To 6:00 p.m. – Ongoing matches, music, and raffle activities.
For those looking to register a team or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, the center has centralized its information through its official event portal at annstorckcenter.org/volleyball. Direct inquiries can also be handled by Sarah Depante via email at [email protected] or by phone at (954) 584-8000.
As the center prepares for this milestone June event, the focus remains on the 300 individuals who rely on these programs every day. The 40th Annual All Heart Volleyball Challenge is more than a sporting event; it is a public affirmation that the community values the lives and potential of every individual, regardless of their developmental challenges.
The next official checkpoint for the event will be the opening of the primary registration window for teams, which is expected to be announced via the center’s social media channels and website in the coming months.
We invite you to share this story and join the conversation in the comments below. How has your community supported those with developmental disabilities?
