Baby You’re a Firework
Katy Perry lights up the court for charity
Written by Joan Tapper
It was sister against sister as Katy Perry battled Angela Lerche in the third annual Light Up the Court Pickleball Tournament in Santa Barbara last weekend for the benefit of the siblings’ Firework Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering children from underserved communities through transformative arts programs and initiatives. Joined by pickleball professional Connor Garnett, Perry edged past Lerche and her partner, L.A.-based pro Wes Burrows, to take the trophy 11-8.
The real winners, though, were the kids who will enjoy a three-day sleep-away at the 11th Camp Firework next month, producing songs, learning choreography, and designing apparel in addition to gaining insights into health and wellness. They’ll also be putting aside phones and getting into nature through kayaking, archery, fishing, and ziplining—all activities inspired by the sisters’ own camp experiences.
“When I think back on these days,” says Perry, a third-generation Santa Barbarian, “I remember why it’s so important to share and bring access to that community connection and nature connection with our youth today.”
Founded by the sisters in 2018, the Firework Foundation has served nearly 1,000 youngsters from Lompoc, Goleta, and the greater Los Angeles area, not only with the camp but also with mentorships to high school students through its Leaders in Training initiative. Students have monthly opportunities to hone their skills in film and TV, fashion, music, and culinary pursuits. In addition, the foundation partners with L.A.-area Boys and Girls clubs for after-school arts programming during the year.
The tournament, which has its roots in an old family tradition of weekly pickleball games played by Perry and Lerche, has grown to attract pro athletes, industry leaders, and community members in support of the philanthropic cause. Marquee pickleball sponsor this year was Franklin Sports.
Says Lerche, who serves as executive director of the foundation, “Katy and I are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and share the belief that, in order to empower the next generation of leaders, we need to invest in them now.”
