The 2026 Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic raised a record-breaking $700,000 to help advance pediatric cancer research and care at Children’s Minnesota. The milestone brings the tournament’s lifetime impact to more than $9 million in support of improving outcomes for children and families facing cancer in Minnesota and around the world.
“The generosity of the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund continues to make a meaningful difference for children and families facing cancer and rare diseases,” said Kris Ann Schultz, MD, pediatric oncologist, Pine Tree Endowed Chair in Cancer and Blood Disorders Research and chief research officer at Children’s Minnesota. “This support helps our teams pursue research that improves care here in Minnesota while also sharing knowledge with clinicians and families around the world. We are deeply grateful to every player, volunteer, donor and supporter who makes this work possible.”
Tournament honors Children’s Minnesota patients
This year’s tournament also honored three Children’s Minnesota patients — Peter, Cora and Rufo — whose stories reflected the local and global impact of Pine Tree-supported research and care.
- Peter’s story highlighted cancer rehabilitation and whole-patient care.
- Cora’s story showed how research can help reduce treatment side effects.
- Rufo’s story underscored the international reach of the PPB/DICER1 Registry at Children’s Minnesota.
A longstanding partnership for pediatric cancer research
Now in its 41st year, the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic brings together players, volunteers, sponsors and donors in support of children with cancer. That longstanding commitment has helped fuel research discoveries, strengthen care and create new possibilities for children and families.
Children’s Minnesota thanks the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund and everyone who helped make this year’s tournament a success for their continued commitment to advancing pediatric cancer research and improving care for children and families in Minnesota and around the world.
About Children’s Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only one in Minnesota devoted exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system for more than 100 years, Children’s Minnesota offers more than 100 pediatric specialties through its two hospitals, nine primary care clinics, seven rehabilitation and eight specialty care sites throughout the Twin Cities metro area. The Kid Experts® at Children’s Minnesota are chosen by more families than any other pediatric health system in the region.
Please visit childrensMN.org.
About the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund (PTACF)
Established in 2018, the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund (PTACF) is a Minnesota non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to continuing the tradition of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic. All proceeds raised through the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic support pediatric oncology, rehabilitation and point of care research initiatives locally in Minnesota and around the world. Our mission is to improve the lives of children with these diseases and their families through this vital research and essential support programs. For more details regarding the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic, research programs supported by PTACF and our special relationship with Children’s Minnesota, please visit www.ptacf.org.
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