Trailer Bridge Rallies Network to Shine a Light on Childhood Cancer Research

[JACKSONVILLE, FL] March 24, 2025: Trailer Bridge, Inc., a global transportation provider headquartered in Jacksonville, announced today its Rally for Kate Charity Golf Tournament raised $107,500 for the Kate Amato Foundation supporting the organization’s efforts to find safer, smarter and more effective treatments for children with cancer.

The Kate Amato Foundation, based in Ponte Vedra, will use the gift to fund innovative pediatric cancer research at leading research facilities across the country to accelerate the pace of progress and save young lives. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children and only 4 percent of the total federal research funding is designated for all childhood cancers. 

The inaugural Rally for Kate tournament hosted in 2024 raised $100,000 which helped the foundation double their annual funding for research projects. 

“When we set out to launch this event, we knew we had the opportunity to make a difference—but what we couldn’t predict were the economic headwinds that would challenge our industry and country. Yet, despite these uncertainties, our partners continue to step up, choosing to support a cause bigger than business,” said Trailer Bridge CEO Mitch Luciano. “This tournament is more than a day on the course; it’s a testament to the strength of our relationships and the generosity that exists in our world today. At a time when nonprofits need it most, we are rallying together to make an impact that will be felt far beyond today.”

The event’s participation roster included transportation and logistics providers from Northeast Florida including SSA Marine, the International Longshoreman’s Association, ATS, TOTE Maritime, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, CBX Global, and ARCO Design/Build. It also drew support from businesses outside of the Jacksonville community; Priority Global, joined from Puerto Rico, and Chicago-based technology provider, Mastery Logistics Systems, flew in to attend.

View 2025 Event Photos

Founded in 1991, Trailer Bridge has been a staple in Jacksonville’s transportation industry, known locally for its weekly barge service to Puerto Rico from JAXPORT’s Blount Island Marine Terminal. The company covers all expenses related to the Rally for Kate golf tournament, allowing 100% of the sponsorship dollars to go directly to the Kate Amato Foundation. The sold-out event welcomed 88 golfers to Atlantic Beach Country Club for the tournament.

"We are deeply grateful to Trailer Bridge for their partnership and commitment to our cause. The lack of funding for pediatric cancer research has been a challenge for decades with scientists relying heavily on private funding from non-profits to support their work. Now, more than ever, support from companies like Trailer Bridge will be necessary to fill the funding gap in the search for cures,” said Dr. Lisa Amato, Kate's mom and Executive Director of the Kate Amato Foundation.

Rally for Kate is the second charity golf tournament hosted by Trailer Bridge. The Rally brand was first established in 2019 to support the people of Puerto Rico with the Rally for Puerto Rico tournament following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. The Rally for Puerto Rico tournament has raised nearly $450,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico since its inception with the fifth annual tournament happening at the end of April.

Trailer Bridge focuses on giving back to local nonprofits and groups that support the needs of children and families. The company has been a long-standing supporter of Dreams Come True of Jacksonville and The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund in addition to other local groups. They also support career exploration with area youth of all ages, welcoming groups like Jacksonville Job Corps to their facility for tours and presentations.

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.