News

January 21, 2026

Dr. Kris Ann Schultz Named New Chief Research Officer At Children's Minnesota

Children’s Minnesota is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Kris Ann Schultz, Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Endowed Chair of Blood and Cancer Disorders Research, as its new Chief Research Officer at Children’s Minnesota. 

“I’m grateful to have Dr. Schultz step into this important role. Her leadership will help us advance our mission of developing a premier pediatric research institute and improving access to cutting edge research for our patients and families,” said Dr. Anupam Kharbanda, Vice President and Chief of Clinical Innovation. “Dr. Schultz has been a driving force in pediatric research both internationally and in our community, and I’m excited to see how she’ll build on our legacy and lead our team”. 

Dr. Schultz has been a pediatric oncologist at Children’s Minnesota since 2008. Prior to taking on the role of Chief Research Officer, she served as Scientific Director of the Cancer and Blood Disorders program. 

In her 17 years of service at Children’s Minnesota, Dr. Schultz has made significant contributions to pediatric oncology care and research, serving as principal investigator for the International Pleuropulmonary Blastoma (PPB)/DICER1 Registry which includes participants from more than 600 institutions in 60 countries worldwide. In 2020, Dr. Schultz was named the inaugural Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Endowed Chair in Cancer and Blood Disorders Research. 

Dr. Schultz is considered one of the foremost experts on DICER1 research and has published more than 100 peer reviewed articles including first author publications in theJournal of Clinical Oncology and Clinical Cancer Research. Her research focuses on the early detection and the development of novel and precision therapies for DICER1-related cancers. In 2017, Dr. Schultz and the Registry team published the first-ever set of surveillance guidelines for individuals at risk for DICER1-related tumors. In 2025, Dr. Schultz and the Registry team published updated guidelines based on ongoing data collection and assembly of the world’s largest cohort of individuals with DICER1 variation. 

She serves as Study Chair for Children’s Oncology Group protocol ARAR2331, the first ever prospective clinical trial for pleuropulmonary blastoma, the most common form of lung cancer in infants and young children. She also serves as Vice Chair for rare tumors for Children’s Oncology Group, an international cooperative group focused on pediatric cancer which includes more than 220 institutions worldwide.   

Dr. Schultz is also the founder and serves as the principal investigator of the International Ovarian and Testicular Stromal Tumor (OTST) Registry. 

As a result of Dr. Schultz’s contributions, Children’s Minnesota has achieved international recognition for its collaborative research on rare tumors and early detection. This work has contributed to higher survival rates and improved quality of life for children with cancer around the world. Importantly, these research developments are shared not only with clinicians and researchers, but also directly with patients, families and research participants through family education documents, newsletters, and an annual scientific symposium and family meeting attended by participants from across the world. 

“This work is inspired by the kids and families we serve. Our research strength comes from the generous contributions of our many research participants and the multidisciplinary teams of kid experts working side‑by‑side, focusing on the health needs of kids and families,” said Dr. Schultz. “I am honored to work with these amazing individuals and look forward to connecting ideas, removing barriers, and accelerating studies so the benefits of our research reach more kids and families in Minnesota and worldwide.” 

In her role as Chief Research Officer, she will provide guidance and support to the Children’s Minnesota Research Institute, which is dedicated to advancing research and innovation that directly impacts patient care. She will oversee multidisciplinary teams’ leading efforts in cancer and blood disorder research, cardiovascular research, diabetes and endocrine research. With a focus on improving the daily lives of children and teens, Dr. Schultz and her team will continue to champion initiatives ranging from innovative pain management strategies to the adoption of cutting-edge technologies—ensuring that all research remains centered on the needs of kids and families. 

January 5, 2026

PTACF Makes Second Year-End Gift of $15,000 To Children's Minnesota

Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund (PTACF) announced today an additional $15,000 year‑end gift to Children’s Minnesota, bringing the Fund’s total 2025 year‑end contribution to $435,000 in support of pediatric cancer and blood disorders research.

This supplemental gift builds on the $420,000 contribution submitted on December 19 and reflects PTACF’s continued commitment to accelerating discoveries that improve outcomes for children and families facing cancer.

“Every dollar we invest in research moves us closer to better treatments, better experiences, and better futures for kids,” said Matt Narr, President of Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund. “Our community of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and partners continues to step up with extraordinary generosity, and we are proud to direct these resources to Children’s Minnesota, where they will make a meaningful and immediate impact.”

The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund has supported Children’s Minnesota for more than four decades, funding groundbreaking research initiatives, clinical trials, and innovations that advance care for children with cancer and blood disorders. This additional year‑end gift strengthens that legacy and underscores the Fund’s belief in the power of research to change lives.

December 19, 2025

PTACF Celebrates 40th Anniversary with $420,000 Gift To Children's Minnesota Foundation

The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund proudly concluded its 40th Anniversary celebration of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic today by presenting a year-end gift of $420,000 to the Children’s Minnesota Foundation in continuing its longstanding tradition of supporting the groundbreaking work at Children’s Minnesota. This gift will continue advancing critical research initiatives in rare tumor cancer, rehabilitation, and point-of-care/survivorship programs at Children’s Minnesota.

“For four decades, our community has rallied together through tennis, generosity, and shared purpose to support Children’s Minnesota,” said Matt Narr, President of the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund. “We are thrilled once again to support the incredible research efforts happening there with this $420,000 gift. We are so thankful to all Pine Tree tennis players, sponsors, donors, and volunteers for their continued generosity and support of our mission. The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund is proud to partner with Children’s Minnesota and build on its incredible legacy of exceptional care for children and promise for a better future.”

Allocation of Funds

The $420,000 contribution will support four key initiatives at Children’s Minnesota:

• $160,000 – Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Endowed Chair in Cancer and Blood Disorders Operating Fund
• $135,000 – Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Endowment Fund supporting targeted research needs of DICER1-related tumors and long-term effects of cancer treatment
• $100,000 – Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund Hematology/Oncology Point-of-Care through Survivorship Research Operating Fund which supports research by nurses and advanced care practitioners aimed at addressing any stage of a patient’s care journey with a focus on the unique long-term physical, mental, and social challenges patients can face after completing cancer treatment. 
• $25,000 – Hematology/Oncology Point-of-Care through Survivorship Research Endowment Fund

A Milestone Year of Celebration and Impact

Funds were raised as part of a year-long celebration marking the 40th Anniversary of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic, held July 31–August 3, 2025, at Life Time White Bear Lake in White Bear Lake, Minn., and Life Time Bloomington South in Bloomington, Minn.

Since its founding in 1986, the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic has raised more than $8.5 million for childhood cancer research at Children’s Minnesota and around the world. Since becoming a nonprofit organization in 2018, the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund has generated over $2.5 million in support of these efforts.

Looking Ahead

Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund will be busy raising funds again in 2026 with its three signature events including the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Spring Fling for NTRP Players April 10-12, the Game, Set, Cure Luncheon on April 30 at Town & Country Club in St. Paul, Minn., and the 41st Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic August 6–9 at Life Time White Bear Lake and Life Time Bloomington South (junior event). More information about these events, opportunities to get involved and how to donate can be found at www.ptacf.org.

December 1, 2025

PTACF Announces 2026 Board of Directors

The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund is proud to announce our 2026 Board of Directors - a dedicated group of leaders who will guide Pine Tree into its next chapter of impact, innovation, and community support.

2026 Board of Directors

President: Matt Narr

Secretary:  Cheryl Yasis

Treasurers: Michael Yates & Lori Yates

Directors: Barry Dobson, Rachel LaTour, Norm Longsdorf & Tobias Wernet

Leadership Transitions and Appointments

Matt Narr has been elected President after serving as Secretary the past 3 years. A tournament player and fundraiser since 2008, Narr has also contributed as Event Co-Chair and Tournament Director responsibilities. With nearly two decades of experience as a teaching professional, he currently serves as Racquet Sports Director at Life Time White Bear Lake - home of the annual Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic.

Cheryl Yasis moves into the Secretary role following 5 years of service as a Director. A Mahtomedi resident and retired global marketing leader, Yasis brings over 30 years of experience across healthcare, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Her career includes leadership positions at Fortune 100 companies and MedTech startups, where she drove strategic, data-informed commercialization initiatives. She is also the mother of a pediatric cancer survivor and an avid tennis player.

Long-time volunteers Michael and Lori Yates of New Brighton, Minn., will transition into the co-treasurer capacity after serving as Directors. Mike is a retired CPA and MBA who spent over 30 years in the financial industry, while Lori began her career as a CPA at a national public accounting firm before transitioning to the insurance/financial services field as a financial and regulatory reporting specialist for over 30 years. The Yates' have supported Pine Tree in numerous capacities the past 20 years including donor, player sponsor, photographer/videographer, volunteer coordinator, trophy designer and anything else asked of them. Their daughter, Mel, was also multiple time Pine Tree player earning finalist honors.

Barry Dobson, a retired business leader from Vadnais Heights, Minn., returns as a Director. A long-time supporter of Pine Tree, Dobson is the architect behind the organization's Volunteer Give Back program, which engages local high schools and college programs in service, as well as the Game, Set, Cure Luncheon. When not on the tennis court, he enjoys traveling and cooking and spending time with his family and five wonderful grandchildren. Barry looks forward to contributing his experience and energy to the board.

Rachel LaTour of Edina, Minn., brings more than 25 years of non-profit board and committee experience. Pine Tree allows her to combine her passion for tennis and community service with her professional background in Human Resources. For the past 3 years, she has successfully led the Pine Tree Junior Tournament, raising more than $100,000 for the cause.

Norm Longsdorf of Osceola, Wis., a retired financial leader and avid tennis supporter in the community, enters his second term as a Board Director.

Tobias Wernet of Edina, Minn., serves as Customer Success Leader, Cloud + AI at Microsoft, driving strategic initiatives across a $4B+ enterprise customer business with a focus on performance frameworks and business transformation. A long-time supporter of Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund, Wernet has contributed as a player, player liaison, and advocate for expanding donor engagement for many years. He played college tennis at the University of Minnesota.

Thank you to each of these incredible individuals for lending their time, talent, and passion to our mission. Game, Set, CURE!

August 15, 2025

2025 Tournament Raises Over $600,000!

40-LOVE!!! We did it! $601,000 raised and still counting! 

What an incredible year and a wonderful way to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic. THANK YOU to our amazing players, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and everyone who supported the cause! We crushed our 2025 goal of $540,000 by raising over $601,000 this year — the most in Pine Tree history! 

These funds go directly to lifesaving pediatric cancer, rehabilitation and point-of-care research initiatives and care at Children’s Minnesota, helping kids and families where they need it most.

From cheering on the great tennis to grabbing an apple treat at the food tent, every bit of energy, generosity, and support added up to this record-breaking total. We are so grateful for each of you who make the Pine Tree community so special and help us make a real difference. 

Thank You & Game, Set, Cure!

Lisa Mushett, Executive Director & 

Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund Board of Directors

2025 Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Final Results