The 2018 Katie Heintz Basketball Tournament fundraiser at St. Francis High School in March raised $17,557 for the Munson Healthcare Foundations’ fund dedicated to pediatric needs at the Munson Medical Center Infusion Clinic.
The fundraiser is dedicated to the memory of St. Francis student athlete Katie Heintz who waged a courageous battle with leukemia, before succumbing in 2005. Katie’s father Patrick Heintz, said the annual event put on by the St. Francis High School Key Club helps other families in similar situations receive care close to home. When Katie battled her illness, the family needed to travel downstate for treatments.
“This is the most we have generated in one year for one event. This year was our 13th fundraiser and we are closing in on $150,000 raised,” he said. “This is a great community because we have great kids that come and perform a great event for a great cause, and that is kids in need. These Key Club students who put this event on understand that it is part of the give-back to our community.”
Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation representative Kelli Cravey said the annual fundraiser has allowed the Munson Medical Center Infusion Clinic to purchase pediatric medical equipment as well as games and toys for children who use the Helen Devos Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Clinic, a partnership with Munson Medical Center.
“We are so thankful to the Heintz family, Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, the Key Club students, and to the tournament sponsors,” Cravey said. “They have raised an incredible amount of money over the years and we are thankful for the care these funds are providing.”
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