SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The annual Jimmy Kvarme Tribute Tournament returns on Oct.18 to Oct. 19 at the Park Terrace Swim and Tennis Club.

The tournament brings together tennis players, families and the local community for a weekend of competition and giving back.

More than just a United States Tennis Association (USTA) Gold Cup Series event, the Jimmy Kvarme Tribute Tournament honors the memory of Jimmy Kvarme, a passionate young tennis player, while raising funds for meaningful causes.

Since its inception in 2017, the tournament has raised more than $50,000 for various charities, including the V Foundation for Cancer Research and has supported local high school tennis programs by providing funding, tennis balls and equipment to schools such as Christian Brothers, River City, John F. Kennedy and C.K. McClatchy.

This year, the Jimmy Kvarme Tribute Tournament is proud to partner with Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families facing pediatric cancer. Founded by mothers who have been through the battle firsthand, Mama Bear provides caregivers with essential hospital supplies through their Hospital Wagon program, ensuring they have what they need during their child’s treatment.

“Mama Bear was founded to fill the gaps we experienced firsthand as caregivers,” said Monica Vera Padilla, Director of Advocacy for Mama Bear. “We’ve supported more than 500 local families to date, and thanks to community events like JKTT, we can continue helping kids and caregivers through their fight against cancer.”

During the 2025 Jimmy Kvarme Tribute Tournament player-sponsor barbeque, organizers will shine a spotlight on the tournament’s growing impact and the strong community partnerships that make it possible. The event will recognize local businesses, sponsors, and individuals who have contributed to the tournament’s success, ensuring its mission of supporting youth tennis and charitable causes continue.

With the FITT Foundation and Park Terrace already presenting a $1,000 donation to Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer on March 3, this year’s player-sponsor barbecue will also serve as a moment to reaffirm the tournament’s commitment to giving back. 

FITT Foundation Chief Financial Officer Jason Wagner emphasized the ongoing support, stating, “We plan on giving another donation after this year’s event in October.”

The tournament has grown into more than just a United States Tennis Association Gold Cup Series competition; it has become a celebration of philanthropy and sportsmanship, drawing players and supporters from across the country.

For Matt Bult, a longtime tournament participant and a major donor, the event holds deep meaning. 

“My wife, Maria, and I have supported this memorial tournament since its inception, and it’s an event my son, Nick, and I look forward to playing in every year,” Bult said. “However, it’s bittersweet: the bitter being the heartbreaking reality of childhood cancer makes this tournament necessary. The sweet is the opportunity to come together with like-minded tennis players and philanthropists, united by a shared purpose. We’ve been friends with Jimmy’s parents, Julie and Michael Kvarme, for many years, and being part of this event is a reward in itself.”

Among the many events he has organized in his 33-year coaching career, the Jimmy Kvarme Tribute Tournament holds a special place for tournament director Monty Basnyat. “I’ve run everything from junior tournaments to USTA professional events but JKTT is one of my favorites. It truly brings the whole community together.”

Beyond the competition, Basnyat is passionate about the tournament’s larger mission, which is fighting cancer. 

“Getting cancer is absolutely tragic in this day and age,” he said. “It’s not enough to just put a Band-Aid on the disease; we need to eradicate it,” Basnyat said.

Park Terrace Swim and Tennis Club has been an essential partner in making the Jimmy Kvarme Tribute Tournament a success, donating its facility to host the event and reinforcing its commitment to giving back. 

Tennis players of all levels are encouraged to sign up and play great tennis while making a real impact.

Those who can’t compete can still be part of the mission by donating to the Jimmy Kvarme Tribute Tournament. For more information, contact tournament director Basnyat at [email protected] or 916-316-7577.

The Park Terrace Swim and Tennis Club is at 5500 Parkfield Court. Let’s serve up hope, one match at a time.