The Kate Amato Foundation (KAF) has announced an unprecedented event for 2025 — Three sports, two events, one epic day! The KATE KUP Triples Tennis Tournament and the rescheduled KATE KOMBO Golf and Pickleball Tournament will take place together on Saturday, April 19, at The Yards in Ponte Vedra Beach.
This combined event brings together two of KAF’s signature fundraisers for an unforgettable day of competition, community and philanthropy, raising critical funds for pediatric cancer research. Players, sponsors and volunteers are needed to make this day a success.
While Hurricane Milton may have forced the postponement of KATE KOMBO, it also paved the way for something even bigger — a full-scale takeover at The Yards. This event will mark the sixth year of the annual KATE KUP Triples Tennis Tournament and the second year for the KATE KOMBO Golf and Pickleball Tournament.
Over the past several years, these events have gained tremendous popularity, attracting more participants, sponsors, volunteers, spectators and community support than ever before. While these two signature events will share the same date, each will maintain its distinct identity, ensuring an engaging and seamless experience for players, volunteers and attendees.
“These events are more than just tournaments — they’re a celebration of Kate’s spirit and a testament to the power of coming together for a cause,” said Lisa Amato, founder of the Kate Amato Foundation. “We are determined to reach $1 million in research funding this year and by coming together for KATE KUP and KATE KOMBO, we can take a huge step toward achieving that goal and changing the future of childhood cancer treatment.”
Jacksonville Beach residents Lisa and Jeff Amato lost their daughter Kate at the young age of 11 in November 2016 after a long and difficult battle with cancer. Through her journey, she became the inspiration for the foundation. During Kate’s illness, her parents discovered how severely underfunded research is for pediatric cancer and witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of outdated, toxic treatments and the severe lack of funding for pediatric cancer research. Determined to honor Kate’s life and advocate for other children, they established the Kate Amato Foundation to continue the fight against childhood cancer.
Making a Difference
All proceeds from KATE KUP and KATE KOMBO directly benefit the Kate Amato Foundation, whose mission is to fund innovative, non-toxic treatments for childhood cancer.
Since its inception, KAF has awarded $775,000 in grants to cutting-edge pediatric cancer research projects at some of the leading Immunotherapy and Cancer Genomics research labs in the country, including: Duke University, Dana Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School, UCLA, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), The University of Colorado, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Cancer Research Hospital and The University of Buffalo and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
These grants are predominantly funded by KATE Signature events: KATE KUP Triples Tennis Tournament, KATE KLASSIC Golf Tournament and KATE KOMBO Golf and Pickleball Tournament. Additional foundation programs include KATE’S KINDNESS PROJECT, which provides immediate direct support to local children hospitalized with cancer, and KATE KLUB, a school-based program where students can get involved with service projects and volunteering.
Registration Details
Registration for both KATE KUP and KATE KOMBO opened Feb. 7.
Those wishing to participate in the KATE KUP Triples Tournament are strongly encouraged to register promptly, as this event sells out quickly each year. Registration for tennis triples teams is $750 and includes team play, gift bags, lunch and awards after-party.
All levels of play are welcome.
Players previously registered for the KATE KOMBO Golf and Pickleball Tournament in October will be automatically re-registered and do not need to take further action to secure their spot.
There are still golf foursomes and pickle pair spots available.
Registration is $1,200 for golf foursomes and $300 for pickleball pairs and includes team play, gift bags, lunch and awards after-party. All levels of play are welcome.
EVENT SCHEDULE & FORMAT
KATE KUP Triples Tennis Tournament
KATE KUP will kick off at 8 a.m. April 19 at The Yards Tennis Center in Sawgrass. Triples Tennis is a fast-paced, three versus three tournament where a feeder feeds a ball to one side of the tennis court to start the point. After every point, each player rotates clockwise. At 11 points, the teams swap sides, giving each team a chance on the feed side. The goal is to be the first team to 21 points (winning by two).
KATE KOMBO Golf & Pickleball Tournament
KATE KOMBO starts at 11 a.m. at The Yards Golf Course and Pickle Garden. Twenty golf foursomes will play a shotgun start, 15-hole course, culminating in a shoot-out for the top teams. Simultaneously, 36 pickleball pairs will compete on 12 courts in a waterfall format, combining round robin and single elimination.
Following the conclusion of the competitions, all tennis players, golfers and pickleballers will gather at The Yards Greenhouse for even more fun at the awards after-party. Spectators are welcome to attend both events to cheer and heckle throughout the day. Tickets are available for spectators for $50 to attend the awards after-party.
Join the Fight Against Childhood Cancer
KAF extends its sincere gratitude to their current sponsors whose generous support and commitment has helped make these events a continued success. They invite all businesses and organizations to join them in supporting their mission to find safer, more innovative, treatments for childhood cancer.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, offering unique brand visibility and community engagement benefits. Businesses and organizations are invited to be part of this impactful event.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, volunteer or learn more about participating, go to KateAmatoFoundation.org.
