IMPORTANT: COVID-19 UPDATE

Dear Friends,

KATE KUP Weekend is being postponed. We are saddened by this delay and have wrestled with this decision but believe it is the best one at this time.

We have been closely monitoring the current COVID-19 surge and hospitalization rates in the Jacksonville area.  We also have consulted with local hospital officials and city officials to obtain current data and guidance.  The Delta variant is more highly contagious, has been spreading throughout our city for several weeks, appears to be affecting children more significantly than previous strains, and has placed an enormous burden on our hospital system across the board.  This week, Jacksonville hospitals are at 99% capacity and 93% ICU bed capacity. Wolfson Children’s Hospital is at 97% capacity, which means there are only 15 beds available to treat a child in the event of illness or injury. And, in the first week of school, both Duval County and St. Johns County school districts are reporting an escalating number of positive cases among students and faculty every day.

As you all know, KATE KUP Weekend is a large event, with hundreds of participants in close proximity for 6-12 hours at a time.  We typically host more than 300 guests for the Players Party on Friday night and another 300+ participants on Tourney Day including Players, Volunteers, Business Vendors and Spectators.  We have spent the last two weeks brainstorming various scenarios to modify the KATE KUP to ensure safety and we had hoped that a tennis tournament outdoors could be hosted safely.  However, even a simplified, single-day tournament still presents exposure risks, especially for our Volunteers who are vital to the event and our organization.

We have wrestled with this decision, because we have worked so hard to put together an amazing weekend for all of you and we have waited so long to celebrate together for the foundation’s mission. But, given the current burden on our local hospitals and the rising case numbers in area schools that may further impact our community and our hospitals, we cannot in good conscience host the KATE KUP as originally planned on Labor Day Weekend.  We will always prioritize the health and safety of our Players, Volunteers, and their families because you are our friends and neighbors.  As soon as the current surge and hospital strain has passed, we will reschedule.  In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with you and our incredible healthcare community working tirelessly to keep us all safe.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

In Gratitude,
Jeff and Lisa Amato

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The KATE KUP Triples Tennis Weekend is postponed for now, but you can still SERVE Kate Amato Foundation by supporting Kate’s Kindness Project in September. Last year we delivered 55 care packages to Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital and we want to TRIPLE our impact this year!  You can help us bring smiles and comfort to children, families and healthcare workers during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Here’s how:

  • LOVE

    Send some LOVE to Wolfson Children’s Hospital by writing a personal card to a child. We’ve made it easy for you and your team to share some kindness. Download a letter template and we will deliver them for you!!

  • AD-IN

     If you or your team have anything to AD-IN to our care packages for Kate’s Kindness Project, email us and we’ll coordinate with you directly: info@KateAmatoFoundation.org Great items for consideration include: gift cards for games, music, restaurants, gas, groceries, etc.

  • MATCH

    We are making care packages for children fighting cancer, their families AND the amazing healthcare staff working tirelessly to keep them safe. Last year we had 20 volunteers to help assemble our baskets. Can you help us MATCH that? Email us here to help assemble and deliver kindness: Info@kateamatofoundation.org.

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