Established in 2011, Filling the Lane, is a non-profit basketball league based in Winter Haven, FL. This program was developed to help qualifying youth offset the activity cost associated with athletic participation and team travel but has evolved into a holistic approach of supporting youth to reach their educational and personal goals. Through team sports, positive mentorship, community engagement opportunities, and academic and social-emotional support Filling the Lane is bridging the gap between sports, education, arts, and community.

Filling the Lane hybrids the sport of basketball, academic/personal workshops, and community service projects to provide a platform for holistic development. The goal is to supply each student-athlete and their family the resources to make improvements, not only on the court but in life. Filling the Lane focuses on empowering youth to reach their full potential, breaking down barriers to success, and creating an equitable and supportive environment in which youth can grow and achieve.

One of FTL’s major fundraisers is called “Voices.” Voices is a celebration of the African American Voice in arts hosted by Program Filling The Lane, Theatre of Winter Haven, Brothers United, and The Winter Haven High School’s Culture Connection Club at the Historic Ritz Downtown Winter Haven. Voices has become a staple event for Black History Month. Last year, guests enjoyed a musical review of soul music originally performed by some of the great This year, we are doing a concert featuring songs of Gershwin and Rogers Hammerstein. The show will be held at The Theatre Of Winter Haven on March 4th at 7:30 Pm. We are very excited to have Mr. Yurel Echezarreta, a graduate of Harrison School Of The Arts. Yurel is a native of Winter Haven, who most recently screened Steven Spielberg’s movie remake of West Side Story. We are also excited to have Miss. Olanna Goudeau who has joined the cast of “Voices!” Her claim to fame was a stint on America’s Got Talent and Broadway star Mrs. Trista Dollison, who most recently opened Charlie and The Chocolate Factory on Broadway as Violet. This Year we will honor two community members, Dr. Jesse Owens and Mrs. Martha Castro.