Cerebral Palsy’s Kate Laver tennis invitational – The Desert Sun

Theresa Maggio, Special to The Desert Sun 10:01 a.m. PT April 8, 2017

Murphy & Luke Jesen with BIGHORN Head Tennis Pro Frank Fanning, Founder of Kate Laver Foundation Richard Laver, emcee Jon Lovitz with Mike and Bob Bryan.(Photo: Mark Davidson/Special to The Desert Sun)

Passion for the cause is behind every fundraiser, but when combined with the fact that the Kate Laver Tennis Invitational was created in December, passion moves into overdrive and producing the event becomes a full time commitment.

The tournament was Inspired by Kate Laver, who is now 10 years old, but was born with Cerebral Palsy. Her parents Michelle and Richard Laver developed a superfood meal replacement shake which saved her life and now the lives of thousands more. When Kate was born we thought she was going to suffer her whole life, but Ive gotta tell you, Kate is happy! expressed Richard. We are going to spend the rest of our life making sure that Kate and her friends are healthy and happy.

The foundation now provides special-needs families with restricted grants and helps selected non-profits in providing equipment and services that improve their quality of life.

So when Richard Laver, cousin of tennis phenom Rod Laver, pitched the idea of hosting a tennis invitational to BIGHORN Chairman R.D. Hubbard in December, Hubbard knew they were onto something special, saying, BIGHORN is proud to be involved. We are inspired by these families who are survivors themselves, supporting their beautiful children.

So, on a Sunday in March, guests were invited to an "old-style" 1950s themed cocktail party, prior to the tournament's first match. It starred Rat Pak impersonators and was emceed by Saturday Night Live comedian Jon Lovitz.

An exciting first match supporting young talent featured ATP Newcomer-of-the-Year TaylorFritz vs. 2016 Jr. French Tennis Open Champion Bjorn Fratangelo for at $15,000 Purse and the Mason Zisette Memorial Heart Trophy. Officials and Ball Boys and Girls from the Indian Wells Tennis Garden handled balls flying back and forth to a 6 games-to-4 win for Bjorn and an impressed crowd. We are proud to support young talent, said Laver.

The crowd erupted into laughter as Lovitz called the next match featuring the most celebrated doubles team in mens tennis, Mike and Bob Bryan, whose opponents were the legendary Murphy and Luke Jensen, 1993 French Open mens doubles winners. Known for their antics and chest bumps, the Jensen Brothers had the crowd roaring even though the Bryan Brothers took an easy lead. At one point, the Bryan Brothers traded in their new technology for wood racquets, had Lovitz fill in for two points that he actually won, and laid their racquets down on the courts. The jibs and friendly camaraderie was fantastically entertaining with the Bryan Brothers winning 6 games to 4.

A video was shown between matches, with special-needs families describing some of their financial struggles. A young father Alejandro Cecena spoke about having to sell their house to purchase a wheelchair accessible van to get their 5-year-old son to Loma Linda multiple times a year. Transportation is a huge issue with many families traveling 3-hours to see up to 9 specialists.

Laver spoke movingly, 94% of special needs families end in divorce, so we want to intervene early, to relieve some stress. We want to give counseling, provide respite care, buy kids adaptive strollers, sleep equipment or necessities that insurance cant provide. We look at this opportunity as helping the whole ecosystem of the family.

The Lavers thanked everyone for their extreme generosity raising an impressive $750,000 through sponsorships and invited everyone into the tent where a fabulous dinner was served. Mark and the Martinis, a band from Las Vegas, filled the dancefloor as everyone celebrated this magical event! For more information please visit katelaverfoundation.org

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Cerebral Palsy's Kate Laver tennis invitational - The Desert Sun