New tournament raised $7,000 to help Iowans with medical bills

A nonprofit organization based in Iowa aims to relieve the financial hardships on people facing healthcare challenges. A recent fundraiser, the Club Kids for a Cause Winter Classic was held February 16-18, 2024, at Drake University with close to 100 participants.

“97 participants played, which is our biggest tournament yet!” said Mira Keeran, one of the organizers. “We raised $7,000 from USTA, silent auction, apparel, and goodwill donations from this event.”

Club Kids for a Cause (CKFAC) recently launched a community fund which helps people experiencing medical hardships by offering grants from $1-$2,000. Keeran encourages people in the community who are in need of help to apply for financial assistance. 

“We are all excited to take a step forward in deepening our commitment to those we serve in the community with the CKFAC Community Fund born from the generous spirits of our supporters,” she added. 

The board for CKFAC consists of co-founders Krisha Keeran and Sid Kalala, secretary Mira Keeran, community outreach director Sriya Kalala, and volunteer Anurag Anugu and the subcommittee consists of 11 highschool and college students mentored by tournament operations coordinator Gary Scholl and tournament director Mike Conlon.

The organization holds two tennis tournaments each year, the WInter Classic and Groundstrokes for Strokes. For more information, or to donate or apply for assistance, click on the link below.