The 15th Annual CAT Volleyball Fundraiser
A Crown-Worth Day of Purpose, Play, and Community
Each year, the CAT Tournament grows in impact—and the 15th Annual CAT Volleyball Fundraiser was no exception. This summer’s event exceeded every expectation.
What started as a backyard volleyball tournament hosted by the Bernardo brothers has grown into the Capital Region’s largest fundraising volleyball event—and this year, CAT15 raised an incredible $50,577 for the American Cancer Society and The 1:12 Project.
But beyond the record-breaking numbers, CAT15 was about something deeper—community, courage, and cause.
A Day to Remember
From the first serve to the final point, the energy was unmatched. With 22 teams competing across two brackets, the day was filled with competition, camaraderie, and celebration.
Winners:
LVC took home the championship trophy in the Competitive Bracket for the second year in a row.
Best Fitness claimed victory in the Just for Fun Bracket
Each team celebrated in style with Saratoga Water and custom trophies.
Crown of Courage: Honoring Jessica Bernardo
While the CAT Tournament has always been personal, this year carried an even deeper weight. We introduced a new tradition—the Crown of Courage, honoring someone in the NOVUS community who embodies resilience, strength, and purpose.
Our first recipient was our cousin, Jessica Bernardo.
At 35, Jessica is in the midst of a fierce battle with breast cancer. A Clifton Park native whose journey has taken her to Nashville, Atlanta, and North Carolina, she has built a life grounded in faith, music, and joy. Jessica’s strength is nothing short of inspiring—after enduring past brain surgeries, she’s now facing the weight of cancer treatment in California, where medical bills could exceed $100,000.
Her story reminds us of why we started this tournament—and why we’re launching the Claim Your Crown Foundation: to support those like Jessica and continue rising for causes that matter.
This foundation will help fuel:
Jessica’s ongoing fight
Our 1:12 Project sports camps in the Dominican Republic
Cancer research through the American Cancer Society
Event Highlights
This year’s tournament had more than just epic volleyball:
Food Trucks & Treats
Big Kahuna, Chick-fil-A, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Blessings Food Truck360° Cam Experience
Sponsored by The Smile Lounge—check out the photos!Mascot Madness
The UAlbany Great Dane, NOVUS CAT, Chick-fil-A Cow, and Tri-City ValleyCats Mascot brought the energy.
A giant American flag flew high throughout the tournament—thanks to the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department, while a massive Technical Video Inc. jumbotron lit up the night.
NOVUS Athletes in Full Force
Special thanks to our NOVUS athletes and ambassadors who showed up in support:
Phil Daru, world-renowned strength and conditioning coach
Joseph Girard III, American professional basketball player
Christina Wellen, Charlotte softball player
David Breazeale, UMaine ice hockey player
And to our top sponsors who made it all possible:
Robert & Lisa Moser Family Foundation
Chick-fil-A
Camelot
Mazzone Hospitality
United by Purpose
Your generosity, presence, and purpose made CAT15 one for the books. Whether you played, donated, volunteered, or cheered us on, you are part of this growing movement.
Together, we’ve proven once again—it’s more than a game. It’s a crown-claiming moment for something much bigger than ourselves.