The second annual “Raise a Racquet” tennis tournament Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12 and 13, at Altadena Town & Country Club and Arroyo Seco Racquet Club will raise critical funds for the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Cedars Sinai Hospital and Huntington Hospital with the goal of finding a cure for pediatric Crohn’s Disease and pediatric ulcerative colitis.

The tournament is open to weekend warriors, club players, league players and current college players from throughout the greater San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles communities.

Competition will include singles, doubles and mixed doubles in a fun atmosphere where all levels of players can participate.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two forms of inflammatory bowel disease that involve the gastrointestinal tract and are among the most significant chronic diseases affecting children and adolescents. While there currently is no known cause or cure, research suggests inflammation in IBD involves a complex interaction of genetics, the environment and immune systems. IBD exacts a heavy toll in acute care and often involves multiple surgeries and hospitalizations.

“Children battle these diseases every day,” said Vannia De La Cuba, tournament organizer. “They must endure hospital stays, surgeries and infusion therapies regularly.”

For more information and to register via the USTA Tennislink system, visit www.raisearacquet.org