A Lifelong Commitment to Giving Back
Giving back to the community has always been more than a value—it’s a way of life for Jack and Robin Salzman, the founders of The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen. With deep roots in philanthropy, the Salzmans have spent years prioritizing people, causes, and organizations that make a difference. Their passion for service is not only a guiding principle in their personal lives, but also the foundation on which The Serve was built.
Philanthropy at the Heart
Robin Salzman is the visionary founder of the Giving with Grace Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit based in North Carolina. The Foundation’s mission is clear and profound: to reflect, repay, and reinforce kindness and compassion in our community by supporting the work of local non-profit organizations.
Each year, the Foundation awards impactful grants through its annual Gifting Luncheon. At its first luncheon in December 2023, it distributed $250,000 in grants, awarding $25,000 each to ten deserving non-profits, including organizations like Hope House Foundation, Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center, and the Humane Society of Union County, among others.
Then again in December 2024, the Foundation repeated this tradition—granting another $250,000 in total to ten local non-profits, and even donating two specialized transport vehicles to support animal welfare organizations.
Beyond grantmaking, Giving with Grace has made direct, community-centered investments with tangible outcomes. One such example is the Giving with Grace Spay and Neuter Clinic at Lake Norman Humane in Mooresville. This facility offers low‑cost spay and neuter surgeries and affordable vaccinations for pets, aiming to reduce euthanasia rates and improve access to veterinary care. In its first year alone, the clinic is expected to perform at least 2,800 procedures, vastly improving accessibility and animal welfare in our area.
Organizations We Support
The Serve is proud to sponsor and support a growing list of local organizations, including:
- Bridge of Hearts
- Town of Cornelius
- The Rotary Club of North Mecklenburg
- Huntersville United Methodist Church
- The Rotary Club of Lake Norman
- Angels and Sparrows Community Table
- Lake Norman Chamber Foundation
- Ada Jenkins Center
- Lake Norman Woman of the Year Gala
Extending Service Through The Serve
Through The Serve, the Salzmans are continuing this tradition of giving in meaningful and creative ways. They view the venue as more than a place for pickleball, dining, and social gatherings—it’s also a hub for connection, collaboration, and support.
One of the most impactful gestures they’ve introduced is making The Serve’s private event space available at a discounted rate for local non-profit organizations. This allows 501(c)(3) charities to host meetings, fundraisers, and small gatherings in a welcoming environment with reduced costs.
Building a Stronger Community Together
At The Serve, every game played and every meal shared is part of something bigger. When you make a reservation with us—whether it’s to play pickleball, enjoy a meal, or host an event—you’re also supporting the many local organizations we stand behind. Be part of a community that plays with purpose and gives back with heart.
