Hall of Fame

The Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Hall of Fame Award has honored individuals and families whose long‑standing contributions have shaped both the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic and Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund. Each inductee exemplifies exceptional dedication to advancing pediatric cancer research and building community through tennis. This year, we proudly welcome Kevin and Polly Hart into the Pine Tree Hall of Fame. 

A White Bear Lake family whose love for tennis, philanthropy, and its community has helped define the spirit of Pine Tree for four decades, Kevin and Polly are always “ready to Pine Tree!”

From the early beginnings of the tournament, Kevin and Polly have been deeply involved — cheering from the sidelines, volunteering, and helping the event grow into one of Minnesota’s most beloved tennis traditions. Kevin has even competed in the Masters draw several times, bringing his own competitive spirit to the court.

“Pine Tree has always been a cornerstone in our lives and holds a special place in our hearts,” their son, Duncan, shared.  “Since I can remember, my mom and dad have supported the tournament. They love watching great tennis, and over the years have developed amazing friendships with many of the players who still compete today."

Current Pine Tree Board Director and Open player Tobias Wernet has been one of those friends for over 20 years. 

“When I heard they were being inducted into the Pine Tree Hall of Fame, my first thought was ‘It's about time!,’" Wernet said. "If there is one word that defines Kevin and Polly, it's generosity. Not the kind of generosity that seeks recognition, but the quieter kind. The kind that shows up when someone is struggling, builds community, and changes lives without expecting anything in return. That is Kevin and Polly.”

Beyond their constant presence at the tournament, the Harts have been long‑time financial supporters of the Pine Tree Apple Classic both as sponsors of the event and beyond. Kevin and Polly’s passion for the cause runs deep. After last year’s 40th Anniversary celebration, Kevin approached organizers saying how impactful the evening was and asked for more ways to contribute. Their generosity has quietly powered countless initiatives in hopes of one day being able to say Game, Set, Cure. 

Kevin and Polly have also rallied many family and friends around the event. Their commitment reflects the very heart of Pine Tree — community, compassion, and the belief that together we can make a difference.

“Kevin and Polly’s extraordinary generosity and passionate advocacy over decades have helped sustain Pine Tree’s mission and accelerate our vital research,” Kevin Werwie, Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund President Emeritus and close friend, said.  “By championing our cause, Kevin and Polly have acted as a force multiplier inspiring countless new donors to join us and directly changing children’s lives for the better.” 

Since its establishment in 1989, the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Hall of Fame Award has honored individuals and families whose long-standing contributions have shaped the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic and the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund. Each inductee demonstrates exceptional dedication to advancing pediatric cancer research and building community through tennis.

This year, the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic proudly welcomes Dr. Laura Gilchrist as its first inductee of the Class of 2026.

For nearly two decades, Dr. Gilchrist has been a leading voice in pediatric oncology research. Her career began in acute care with oncology patients and evolved into pioneering studies on the functional outcomes of childhood brain tumors. A “happy coincidence” led her to join Children’s Minnesota as a Clinical Research Scientist, where she investigates nerve damage caused by chemotherapy and its impact on children’s physical function. Her mission is clear: to help children regain strength, movement, and the joy of everyday activity.

In addition to her work at Children’s Minnesota, Dr. Gilchrist serves as the Endowed Chair of Health Education and Research at St. Catherine University, teaching in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Her research on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy has earned both institutional and national recognition, influencing how clinicians worldwide understand and treat nerve damage in young cancer patients.

Her perseverance—what she calls her “superpower”—has led to transformative breakthroughs. When she discovered that neuropathy was affecting most pediatric cancer patients across multiple cancer types, physicians used her findings to create new referral pathways for rehabilitation. That collaboration inspired the development of the Your Steps app, empowering children to track their progress as they move from wheelchairs to walking, running, and even skipping again.

“Laura has been an instrumental leader of our cancer research with an amazing expertise in measurement, the nervous system, and cancer,” said Dr. Lynn Tanner, Scientific Director of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Children’s Minnesota and Founder/CEO of Your Steps Health. “She bridged the gap between research and rehabilitation assessment, changing how people see neuropathy across the world. Her brilliance has improved the lives of so many kids and has contributed beyond words to our cancer rehabilitation program. No one deserves this honor more.”

Dr. Gilchrist’s dedication reflects the very heart of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic—compassion, innovation, and community.

“The PTATC volunteers and staff have supported the fabulous work being done at Children’s Minnesota and continue to motivate my husband and me to volunteer for this excellent event,” Dr. Gilchrist shared. “I can’t imagine a summer without it.”

Her induction into the Hall of Fame celebrates not only her scientific achievements but also her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and families affected by cancer.

Congratulations, Dr. Laura Gilchrist, on this well-deserved honor.