Jacksonville Transportation Community Rallies to Raise $55,500 for Childhood Cancer Research

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 27, 2026 - Trailer Bridge, Inc., a global transportation provider headquartered in Jacksonville, announced today that its Rally for Kate Charity Golf Tournament raised $55,500 for the Kate Amato Foundation, supporting efforts to advance safer, smarter, and more effective treatments for children facing cancer.

The Ponte Vedra-based foundation directs funding to leading research institutions across the country, accelerating progress in a space that remains critically underfunded. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children, yet only 4 percent of total federal research funding is allocated to childhood cancers.

At a time when many companies are navigating ongoing economic pressures, Trailer Bridge continues to prioritize investment in programs that support the vitality of children and families in the communities it serves. The Rally for Kate tournament has become a cornerstone of that commitment, bringing together partners across the transportation and logistics industry and the Jacksonville community for a shared purpose.

"I've always believed this business is built on relationships, and Rally for Kate is a testament to that. It reflects the generosity of our partners and the strength of this industry," said Trailer Bridge CEO Mitch Luciano. "After spending time with pediatric cancer patients and their families here in Jacksonville last year, we saw firsthand just some of the challenges they face, and it reinforced how critical this funding is. I'm proud of how this community continues to come together to support this cause and help fund research that can truly change lives."

The sold-out event welcomed 88 golfers to Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, a deliberate decision to keep the tournament intimate and relationship-focused, and drew participation from transportation and logistics leaders across Northeast Florida, including SSA Marine, the International Longshoremen's Association, ATS, TOTE Maritime, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, CBX Global, and ARCO Design/Build.

"We are deeply thankful to Trailer Bridge for their commitment to our mission," said Lisa Amato, Co-founder of Kate Amato Foundation and Kate's mother. "Pediatric cancer research is severely underfunded, leaving critical breakthroughs dependent on private and nonprofit funding. Partnerships like this play a vital role in driving progress forward and bringing hope to families as we work toward better treatments for children."

In December 2025, on what would have been Kate's 21st birthday, the Kate Amato Foundation reached a significant milestone-surpassing $1 million in total grants awarded for pediatric cancer research. This remarkable achievement is especially meaningful for a grassroots organization operated entirely without paid staff. Continued support from signature events like Rally for Kate remains critical to sustaining this momentum and funding innovative pediatric cancer research nationwide.

Rally for Kate is part of Trailer Bridge's broader community investment strategy focused on supporting children and families. The company invests in initiatives such as Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico, and ongoing programs that introduce youth to career opportunities within the transportation and logistics industry.

The Rally initiative was first established in 2019 with Rally for Puerto Rico, created to support the people of Puerto Rico following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. The Rally for Puerto Rico tournament has since raised more than $500,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico, with the sixth annual event scheduled for April.

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About Kate Amato Foundation

Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children. For those who survive, the side effects of treatment can cause severe long-term health problems. To honor Kate's life and continue the fight for other children, Kate Amato Foundation is dedicated to finding safer, smarter, and more effective treatments for children with cancer. Their vision is to fund innovative pediatric cancer research that accelerates the pace of progress and saves young lives. Connect with the foundation via Facebook and Instagram. Or visit the website to learn more: KateAmatoFoundation.org.