Event Spotlight: Kicks For Cancer Takes over Hauppauge

Hauppauge High School will be hosting its fifth annual Kicks For Cancer in honor of former student Courtney Tomkin on Oct. 12. The event officially kicks off at 4 p.m. 

Kicks for Cancer started in October 2008 in memory of Tomkin, who at the time was a senior recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. While she was never played for the Lady Eagles varsity soccer team, she became their manager who community members said could always be found cheering on their sidelines. She died in December 2008 at age 17.

The event has continued to grow in size over the last five years, adding more soccer games and a larger crowd. 

The boys varsity soccer team will kick things off against Copaigue at 4 p.m. The Eagles soccer team, 3-4-1 in League IV, will face a difficult challenge against Copaigue who is 2-4-2. 

Following the boys, the Lady Eagles varsity soccer team will host Lindenhurst under the lights at 6:30 p.m. The Hauppauge girls are undefeated so far in League IV play, while Lindenhurst is 7-0-1 in League II making for a competitive game. 

Those looking to get in the spirit of the game, can have pink hair extensions put in at $10 each. 

For $12 at the field, unlimited ride bracelets can be purchased to all children of all ages to enjoy a number of carnival rides. Kicks for Cancer tshirts will be sold for $10, with sweatshirts being $25. 

Every year, there is a large number of raffle prizes donated by local businesses. Raffle tickets are $5, or 5 for $20 with the winners being pulled between games.

All proceeds will benefit The Making Headway Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicate to the care of children with spinal cord, brain and other neurological illnesses, The American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Courtney Tomkin Scholarship fund.