The Kate Amato Foundation’s inaugural Kate Kombo Golf and Pickleball Tournament is scheduled for October 20 at The Yards in Sawgrass, Florida. All proceeds from this event will directly support the foundation’s mission to fund innovative, nontoxic treatments for childhood cancer.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
The foundation had one of its busiest times during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.
They delivered weekly care packages to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville and Nemours Children’s Health. These packages offered solace and brought smiles to local children, their families, and the dedicated healthcare professionals fighting against cancer.
Furthermore, the foundation extended its support to students initiating Kate Klub chapters in various local schools, including Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Bishop Kenny High School, Providence School, Holy Family Catholic School, Fletcher, and Ponte Vedra High School.
Compassionate Spirit
This novel initiative aims to establish school-based clubs that honor Kate Amato’s compassionate spirit and motivate children to join the battle against childhood cancer.
The club aims to heighten awareness, coordinate acts of kindness, and actively volunteer to support the Kate Amato Foundation’s programs and events.
Moreover, significant efforts have been made to ensure full participation in the historic Kate Kombo Golf and Pickleball Tournament. The Kate Kombo, presented by Northwestern Mutual, is a pioneering event designed to cater to diverse interests.
The Kate Amato Foundation has announced its inaugural Kate Kombo Golf and Pickleball Tournament. https://t.co/iVKJCODHnB
— WOKV News (@WOKVNews) July 16, 2023
A Waterfall Format
The golf tournament will involve 20 foursomes, competing in a shotgun start on a 15-hole course. This will culminate in a shoot-out for the top-performing teams.
Simultaneously, 36 pickleball pairs will compete across 12 courts, utilizing a waterfall format comprising round-robin and single elimination stages.
After four rounds of round-robin play, teams will progress to the single elimination draw, ensuring a minimum of five games for each team.
Following the tournament play, all players will converge on the expansive Yards patio for further enjoyment, fundraising, awards, and a luncheon.
Spectators also have the option to attend, offering their support and encouragement throughout the day.
The Stark Reality
Lisa and Jeff Amato, founders of the foundation, tragically lost their daughter Kate at the age of 11 in November 2016 following a prolonged and arduous battle with cancer.
During this ordeal, Kate’s parents were confronted with the stark reality of the underfunded state of pediatric cancer research and witnessed firsthand the limitations of outdated treatments.
In honor of Kate’s memory and in the spirit of advancing the cause for other children, they established the Kate Amato Foundation.
Groundbreaking Research
As part of its broader mission, the foundation provides grant funding to cutting-edge pediatric cancer research projects at leading immunotherapy and cancer genomics research facilities across the country.
These facilities include 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, The University of Buffalo, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
To date, the foundation has allocated $475,000 in grants to advance groundbreaking research.
Generous Support
The foundation relies on the generous support of local businesses and donors to further its mission. Notably, Northwestern Mutual has steadfastly supported the foundation and its vital work.
“We are so excited to host the first annual golf and pickleball tournament for the Kate Amato Foundation at a world-class facility,” remarked Bradley Ernst, Chair of the Kate Kombo pickleball committee and wealth management adviser at Northwestern Mutual.
“This is an opportunity to support pediatric cancer research while playing the fastest-growing sport in America. We hope others in the community will step up and join us for a day of fun and fundraising.”
Participants Warmly Welcomed
Additional sponsors are still being sought, and registration for participation remains open until Tuesday, October 10.
The Kate Kombo will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on October 20 at The Yards in Sawgrass.
Registration encompasses team play for golf or pickleball, along with gift bags, a brunch bar, and admission to the Kombo Party.
Participants of all skill levels are warmly welcomed.
Registration fees are as follows: $1,250 for a golf foursome and $350 for a pickleball pair.
Spectators are encouraged to attend, and tickets are priced at $75.
A Complimentary Lunch
Following the tournament, a collective celebration for all participants and spectators will feature a complimentary lunch, live auction, prizes, and an awards ceremony.
Please visit their website if you are interested in contributing to the Kate Amato Foundation or wish to learn more about participating.
