The Kate Amato Foundation raised more than $90,000 at the seventh annual KATE KUP Triples Tennis Tournament, held March 28 at The Yards in Ponte Vedra Beach. The event brought together players, volunteers, supporters and local businesses for a high-energy day of fun and fundraising, with Harbor View Private Wealth serving as the tournament’s title sponsor. All net proceeds from the event benefit Kate Amato Foundation (KAF), whose mission is to fund innovative pediatric cancer research that accelerates the pace of progress and saves young lives.
The KATE KUP Triples Tennis Tournament is the only event of its kind in the Jacksonville area and is held annually at The Yards Tennis Center in Sawgrass. The unique three-versus-three format keeps play fast-paced and engaging, with players rotating after each point and teams racing to 21 points for the win (by 2 points). Adding to the energy of the day, teams take the court in themed costumes, bringing both fun and creativity to the competition.
The family-friendly tournament welcomed more than 300 players and spectators, all gathered to support pediatric cancer research. Local favorites including TacoLu, 1928 Cuban Bistro, Southern Slice, Homespun Kitchen, Native Sun Natural Foods Market, Green Bean Productions, Stretch Zone and Happy Faces Ice Cream Truck helped fuel the day with food, refreshments and entertainment. A lively kid’s zone featured face painting, balloon art, crafts, games and activities for younger guests while the adults enjoyed the triples teams battle for the coveted KATE KUP.
Leading the competition, The Real Housewives of the Recovery Room (Franzi Herman, Sarah-Lynn LeRoux, Joey Whelan) took home the KATE KUP championship title and Best Team Costume, while Throuple Threat (Alexis Schuchart, Nick Rogers, Garit Gemeinhardt) secured a strong second-place finish.
Off the court, Spinatas (Megan McGraw, Jude Kinasewitz, Mike Zuluoaga) topped the fundraising leaderboard raising $13,560 to support pediatric cancer research, followed by Aces in Paradise (Jan Alley, Stephanie Mock, Catherine Topol) with $6,150.
Additional spirit awards recognized the heart of the event, with Spark Joy (Meredith Frisch, Shylo Kline, Brooke Anderson) receiving the Kate’s Kindness Award, Megan McGraw crowned Queen of Kate for her individual fundraising and sponsorship efforts, and Ace Kickers (Kerri Monahan, Hillary Owen, Vanja Vesce) honored with the Biggest Losers, Biggest Hearts award.
Signature events like the KATE KUP play a critical role in advancing KAF’s mission, helping fund cutting-edge research projects at the leading immunotherapy and cancer genomics labs across the country. To date, KAF has awarded more than $1 million in research grants, and the next annual disbursement will take place on Dec. 10.
Previous grant recipients include renowned institutions such as Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Duke University, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Seattle Children’s Research Institute and more.
“We are continually inspired by the outpouring of support from this community,” said Jeff and Lisa Amato, Kate’s parents. “KATE KUP is more than just a tournament; it’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together for a shared purpose. The funds raised will directly support research that gives children and families hope for a brighter future.”
This year’s event was empowered by an incredible group of sponsors who continue to champion the foundation’s mission, including title sponsor, Harbor View Private Wealth, The Yards, Miriam’s Jewelry, Sight & Sound Productions, The Community Foundation, Hen House Marketing, TacoLu, Arco Design/Build, 1928 Cuban Bistro, HC Brands, Southern Slice, Prime AE, Bowen, Hanes & Company, Vallencourt Construction Co. and many more.
Their contributions helped make the KATE KUP a memorable day for participants and supporters while raising critical funds for pediatric cancer research.
“It’s an honor to be part of an event that brings so many people together for such an important cause,” said Angelo Esposito, founder of Harbor View Private Wealth. “The energy, generosity and sense of purpose behind the KATE KUP is truly inspiring, and we look forward to continuing our support in the years ahead.”
Beyond research, the foundation also leads impactful programs such as KATE’S KINDNESS PROJECT, which provides direct support to local children, parents and health care heroes fighting pediatric cancer, as well as KATE KLUB, a school-based initiative that empowers students to get involved through fundraising and service.
This September, during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, KAF will deliver care packages to Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Health. Since 2020, the foundation has assembled and delivered more than 450 care packages and gifts through the dedication of its volunteers, with plans to deliver another 100 gifts this fall.
