Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools

Want to join us in making a difference? We're raising money for the Katie Heintz Memorial Basketball Tournament via Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, and any donation will help children battling cancer in our community.

Now in its 14th year, the Katie Heintz Tournament generates funds for the Munson Healthcare Pediatric Oncology Unit.  The clinic provides local treatment for children battling cancer and blood disorders.  Since its start the Tournament has raised more than $130,000.

The Katie Heintz Memorial Basketball tournament will be held March 2 at St. Francis High School.  Students from elementary through high school at Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS) will compete against their teachers during the Tournament.  Celebrity celebrate coaches and officials add to the fun! Games start at 6 p.m. but the event is preceded by a spaghetti dinner that begins at 5 p.m.  The entrance cost is a freewill donation with a suggested donation for dinner of five-dollars per person or $20 for a family.

The Katie Heintz Tournament began in 2006 as a memorial for Katie Heintz.  Katie was a 16-year old St. Francis student who died of leukemia.  At the time of her illness there were no northern Michigan options for treatment. Since then, the Helen DeVos Children’s hospital collaborated with Munson Medical Center and established a clinic to treat pediatric hematology and oncology patients in the Cowell Family Cancer Center. 

“We know what it’s like to have a child struggling against a life-threatening disease,” says organizer Pat Heintz.  “Over the years we have seen the relief this clinic gives to families at the lowest time in their lives.  This Tournament has provided equipment for the clinic and given direct financial assistance for families in need.”

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause.