Jon Cooper Hosts Ninth Annual Catch for Kids

The Tampa fishing tournament raised $500,000 to support pediatric cancer research and patient services.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Philanthropy

Two professional fishing rods secured on a clean recreational boat on calm coastal bay waters. — The ninth annual Coop's Catch for Kids tournament in Tampa raised $500,000 this week to support pediatric cancer research and patient services. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Jon Cooper held the ninth annual Coop's Catch for Kids tournament on Hillsborough Bay this past Monday. The event successfully raised $500,000 to benefit pediatric cancer research and local patient services.

Why it matters

The tournament aims to reduce pediatric cancer deaths by funding critical research and care programs. It was originally inspired by a 2015 speech given by Tony Colton regarding his own battle with the disease.

This year's event raised $500,000, contributing to a total of more than $2 million generated by the tournament over its nine-year history. Participants competed in a catch-and-release fishing format on Hillsborough Bay.

The players

Jon Cooper

He is the founder of the annual fishing tournament and established the J5 Foundation to support pediatric healthcare causes.

Julia Cooper

She is the daughter of Jon Cooper who participated in the tournament and successfully caught a 26-inch snook.

Tony Colton

He provided the inspiration for the creation of the tournament after delivering a speech about his experience with cancer in 2015.

J5 Foundation

This is the charitable organization led by the Cooper family that funds pediatric cancer research and patient amenities at local hospitals.

The details

The event, which began in 2016, features a kickoff Anglers' Night for families before the competition. The Cooper family’s J5 Foundation also maintains a commitment to the local community, including the dedication of a family lounge at Muma Children’s Hospital in June 2026.

The tournament series began in 2016.
The Anglers' Night kickoff event took place on October 25, 2026.
The annual fishing tournament occurred on October 26, 2026.
A family lounge was dedicated at Muma Children's Hospital in early June 2026.

Market Landscape

This event follows the pattern set by the 2016 launch of the Coop's Catch tournament series in Tampa. It reflects a growing trend of professional figures leveraging their platforms to fund specific local medical infrastructure and pediatric research initiatives.

The fundraising directly supports pediatric patient services at facilities like Muma Children's Hospital in Tampa. Residents benefit from improved hospital amenities and localized research efforts funded by these annual contributions.

The takeaway

Community-led events continue to serve as a vital source of supplemental funding for pediatric healthcare facilities. Interested participants can support these efforts in future years by attending the family-focused Anglers' Night.