For the second consecutive year, the Windham varsity boys’ soccer team participated in Red Card Cancer Night, at Windham on Tuesday, Oct. 3, a fundraiser in conjunction with the American Cancer Society. This is one of the ways coaches encourage the team to give back to the greater community. Windham raised a total of $780 that night, which exceeded its goal of $750.
 |
| From left, Windham soccer varsity junior Luke Cunniffe, Esther Brown, the Development Manager in Maine for the American Cancer Society, and Windham soccer varsity senior Nick Marion hold a check that the Windham varsity boys' soccer team donated to the American Cancer Society on Red Card Cancer Night on Tuesday, Oct. 3. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA |
“It really motivated us,” said Windham varsity senior Nick Marion. “It showed us how people think and how we could help the cause as well. We didn't even know it, but the winner of that raffle turned out to be connected, it's my grandma. So, it really ... showed us that we can make a difference.”
Red Card Cancer was established in 2009 as a tribute to founder Paul Payne’s longtime friend and mentor Joe Bochicchio. It is a non-profit organization that reaches all levels of soccer nationally. Their mission is to use the passion of players and coaches and direct it towards finding a cure. The Red Card Cancer organization’s vision is to raise money and awareness for cancer research.
“It was important for us to participate in the event because people come here to watch, but we don't want it to be only about ourselves,” said Windham varsity junior Luke Cunniffe. “We have the privilege to play; there's a lot of people who don't have that privilege. So, we just want to make it bigger than ourselves. It's always nice to give back to people who are supporting you.”
Charlene Burnett was the 50-50 winner that night. Earlier in the day she had been to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston where she was given a clean bill of health after being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2015. Burnett had undergone chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries. Being diagnosed with breast cancer really put things in perspective for Burnett.
“When I bought the tickets, I knew that if I won, I would turn the money back because the American Cancer Society does so much good work,” said Burnett. “It just seemed like the thing to do; and maybe that’s why I won.”
The money that Windham raised will directly help Maine residents. According to Esther Brown, Development Manager in Maine for the American Cancer Society, fundraising within the American Cancer Society goes to local communities and research and advocacy within the government.
The American Cancer Society is proud to partner with the Red Card Cancer organization to end cancer for everyone. Funds raised through Red Card Cancer Soccer program are restricted to support the overall cancer research grants through the American Cancer Society. Red Card Cancer Night is an opportunity to fight against a cause that affects many in every community.
“As a culture we're trying to get them to see beyond themselves,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “I'm very proud of everything they've done; I'm proud of how they've carried themselves throughout the year, I'm proud of the fact that they've embraced the idea of trying to do something beyond just themselves and playing soccer. It's an honor to work with these young men seeing them become men.”
The $500 the team donated came from fundraising efforts they had previously done for the program. Initially they had decided to donate not knowing who the 50-50 winner was. Once they found out it was Marion’s grandmother it felt like it was meant to be and hit a lot closer to home than anyone thought.
“It’s like you’re paying it forward,” said Burnett. “If something I did, generated more money for the Cancer Society, than I think it’s wonderful.” <
No comments:
Post a Comment