Hauppauge School District’s Third Annual Kicks for Cancer Event Raises $32,000

The Hauppauge girls’ varsity soccer team is joined by the girls’ U10 soccer travel team.

Once again, the Hauppauge community has rallied to support the High School Soccer Program’s third annual Kicks for Cancer event, held in memory of Courtney Tomkin.  This year, the event raised more than $32,000 through community donations, raffles and T-shirt sales.  Proceeds will be donated to the Making Headway Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Lung Association and the Courtney Tomkin Athletic Scholarship Award.

 An avid supporter of the girls’ varsity soccer program, Courtney, 17, served as student manager of the soccer team until she lost her valiant battle against brain cancer in December 2008.

Playing on a field lined in pink, the girls and boys teams wore pink jerseys inscribed with Courtney’s quote, Fight on that field just as hard as I am fighting cancer.  Both teams were victorious, as the boys defeated Bellport, 3-2, and the girls defeated Harborfields, 3-0. Girls’ varsity coach and Kicks for Cancer coordinator Jesseca Kulesa (right) thanks Community Service Award recipient Lizette Gonzalez (left) for her tireless efforts in supporting the Kicks for Cancer event.

As a sign of solidarity and support, 21 Suffolk County school districts will be hosting their own Kicks for Cancer event, committing to raise more than $500. “We are very excited to have so many schools involved this year, and sincerely appreciate their dedication in support of this meaningful cause,” said girls’ varsity coach and Kicks for Cancer coordinator Jesseca Kulesa.

 “Kicks for Cancer is about honoring those who are fighting cancer, and remembering those who have lost the battle,” said Ms. Kulesa. “The Hauppauge community, again, has come together to support one another.”