The 12th annual event brings the overall total to more than $130,000
The 12th annual Katie Heintz Basketball Tournament fundraiser at Saint Francis High School in March raised $17,321 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 Saint Francis student athlete Katie Heintz who waged a courageous battle with leukemia, before succumbing in 2005. Katie’s father Patrick Heintz, said the annual fundraiser 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 continues to be an awesome testament to what this community can do when it puts its mind to it,” he said. “You couldn’t have asked for a better cause than something that helps kids in our community and their families.”
Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation representative Kelli Cravey said the annual fundraiser which has generated more than $130,000 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 are thankful for the care these funds are providing.”
For more information on donating to the pediatric clinic or other programs at Munson Medical Center, contact the Munson Healthcare Foundations at 231-935-6482 or go online to munsonhealthcare.org/foundation.