News

The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund (PTACF) proudly announces that The Vital Stretch® has signed on as a new Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic August 6-9 at Life Time White Bear Lake (adults) and Life Time Bloomington South (juniors).

The Vital Stretch® is a boutique wellness studio specializing in personalized assisted stretching designed to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life. Using a clinically developed method and advanced 3D motion analysis, certified practitioners guide clients through customized stretch sessions that help them move more freely, recover faster, and live with greater ease and confidence. The Vital Stretch® currently has four locations in the Twin Cities area including Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Savage and St. Louis Park.  

"We are incredibly honored to partner with Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund, an organization making a profound impact in the fight against childhood diseases,” said Joe and Karen Vandermark, Owners of the four Twin Cities The Vital Stretch® studios. “Pine Tree’s commitment to funding pediatric cancer research and supporting children and families both locally in Minnesota and around the world is truly inspiring. At The Vital Stretch®, we believe in helping people move and live better every day, and this partnership allows us to extend that mission in a meaningful way—supporting not just physical well-being, but hope, healing, and a stronger future for these children and their families."

Established in 2018, PTACF carries forward the long-standing tradition of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025. As a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization directs proceeds from the tournament and related fundraising efforts to pediatric cancer research and care. In 2025, PTACF presented two gifts totaling $435,000 to Children’s Minnesota and has raised more than $8.6 million since 1986.

“We are honored to welcome The Vital Stretch® to the Pine Tree family as a new Presenting Sponsor,” said Matt Narr, President of the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund. “Sponsors drive our mission forward, making it possible for us to expand research, deepen our impact, and support families when they need it most. We share the same mission in promoting a happy and healthy lifestyle for people and look forward to a long and meaningful partnership with The Vital Stretch®.”

The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund (PTACF) proudly announces a new partnership with Overthinking Tech, which will provide IT and technical services supporting PTACF’s growing operational and technology needs.

Overthinking Tech, based in Red Wing, Minn., brings deep expertise in systems management, troubleshooting, and digital infrastructure. By strengthening PTACF’s technology foundation, the company will help the organization operate more efficiently, streamline internal processes, and enhance the digital experience for volunteers, donors, players, and supporters.

"Overthinking Tech is proud to support the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund because it represents everything that makes a community strong — long-standing local commitment, volunteer leadership, and a clear mission to improve the lives of children through Children’s Minnesota. The Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic has been a personal part of my life, from my sister’s participation in the tournament, to my own history growing up and playing tennis in this community. As someone who has spent years building reliable, scalable technology systems, I believe the best use of that experience is to remove technical barriers so organizations like PTACF can focus entirely on their mission. Partnering with the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund is simply a way of giving back to a community and cause that has given so much to so many families in Minnesota and beyond."

PTACF looks forward to building a strong, collaborative relationship with Overthinking Tech as both organizations work together to expand impact and elevate the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic experience.

“We are excited to welcome Overthinking Tech to the Pine Tree family,” Matt Narr, Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund President said. “Their technical leadership strengthens our ability to focus on what matters most—advancing pediatric cancer research and supporting the children and families who inspire our mission.”

The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund (PTACF) is proud to announce that the Syal Foundation has renewed its support of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic as a major event sponsor, committing to a new three-year partnership that will help advance pediatric cancer research at Children’s Minnesota and beyond.

Since first partnering with PTACF in 2023, the Syal Foundation has played a key role in supporting the tournament’s mission to fund critical research in pediatric oncology, rehabilitation, and survivorship care. The renewed multi-year commitment reflects a shared belief in the power of community leadership and strategic partnerships to drive meaningful impact for children and families 

facing serious health challenges.

“The work being done through the Pine Tree Apple Classic directly changes lives,” said Sanjay Syal, Founder of the Syal Foundation. “We believe strongly in supporting organizations that deliver meaningful, measurable impact. As a major sponsor, we’re proud to invest in research and care that brings hope to children and families while strengthening our local community. We’re honored to continue standing alongside Pine Tree in this important mission.”

Established in 2018, PTACF carries forward the long-standing tradition of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025. As a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization directs proceeds from the tournament and related fundraising efforts to pediatric cancer research and care. In 2025 alone, PTACF presented two gifts totaling $435,000 to Children’s Minnesota and has raised more than $8.6 million since 1986.

“We are honored to welcome the Syal Foundation back to the Pine Tree family as a major sponsor,” said Matt Narr, President of the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund. “Their continued leadership and commitment reflect our shared vision for investing in work that brings hope, healing, and progress for children and families facing cancer.”

Together, the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund and the Syal Foundation are helping accelerate research, improve care, and create brighter futures—one child, one family, and one breakthrough at a time.

About the Syal Foundation:

The Syal Foundation accelerates the impact of smaller, high-performing charitable organizations in the United States and around the world. The Foundation focuses on supporting initiatives that help individuals overcome barriers, improve their lives, strengthen their families, and build more resilient communities. Through partnerships with organizations such as the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund, the Syal Foundation invests in efforts that deliver meaningful, measurable, and lasting impact.

We had an AMAZING time as a vendor at the 2026 Northern Tennis Coaches Conference, hosted by our incredible Pine Tree sponsor RSPA Northern Division in partnership with the Minnesota Tennis Coaches Association!

So many great conversations, new connections, and exciting opportunities to share our mission at Life Time St. Louis Park. We also loved meeting coaches and schools interested in joining our Volunteer Giveback program as their enthusiasm fuels everything we do!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about Pine Tree. The momentum for 2026 is real. Game, Set, Cure! 🎾💚

Game. Set. Spring! 🌸🎾

Celebrate the season with us at the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Spring Fling, presented by Swing City Racket Sports, April 10–12, 2026, at Life Time St. Louis Park.

Fierce rallies meet fresh spring energy across Mixed Doubles (6.0, 8.0, Open), Men’s & Women’s Doubles (6.0, 8.0), and Men’s & Women’s Singles (Open)—all benefitting Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund. Let’s serve up some fun while making a meaningful impact for kids and families fighting cancer. 🍎

Registration:

$75 for the first event

$35 for a second event

Players may enter up to two events

Each division is limited to the first 8 teams/players to register

Click here to register

In the spirit of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic, all players are invited to create a personal fundraising page to help raise additional dollars for the cause. For help setting up a peer‑to‑peer campaign, please contact Lisa Mushett at lisa@ptacf.org or call her at (612) 804-4008.

SAVE THE DATE!!! 

Join us for the 2026 Game, Set, Cure Luncheon on Thursday, April 30 at Town & Country Club in St. Paul. 

Come to this FREE event and learn more about Pine Tree, the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic and our unique partnership with doctors locally in Minnesota and around the world leading targeted pediatric cancer research initiatives that are saving lives daily. 

To register for the luncheon, please click here or visit www.ptacf.org. 

Share the Pine Tree story with 10 of your friends and family by hosting a table! There is no financial expectation when hosting a table, just a love for all things Pine Tree. For more information, contact Lisa Mushett at lisa@ptacf.org. 

Game, Set, Cure!

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. 

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!