ROCK HILL, SC—The inaugural “Kicks Against Cancer” game hosted by the Winthrop men’s and women’s soccer teams along with the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity was a huge success as the initial goal of $10,000 was surpassed significantly as the campaign raised $19,150.
An estimated 600 fans attended the contest that combined the men’s and women’s soccer teams in a scrimmage. The campaign to raise money for the American Cancer Society began in May and concluded with Tuesday’s game. Posipanko’s wife Gayle was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2008 and months later Posipanko started to get his ideas together for raising money for the American Cancer Society. Once the plans were set and the players had instructions on fundraising, the donations began to arrive.
“We could not have been more pleased with our fundraising effort, the game and the fan turnout,” said the Winthrop men’s soccer coach. “The game itself has always been secondary to our fundraising efforts, but it was great to see a big crowd support this event. We would like to thank our honorary captains for leading our teams onto the field and being there through all their individual struggles. Each year this game will always be in their honor. We also appreciate Sue McLeese and Corey Clark from the American Cancer Society for being there.”
Dr. Steven Limentani, known as a top Hematologist/Oncologist, was on hand as well. The check, which was donated to the American Cancer Society, was in honor of Dr. Limentani for all the help and guidance that Dr. Limentani has provided to the Posipankos as well as the honorary captains. The honorary captains were Barb Skonicki, Gayle Posipanko, Patsy Suratt, Wendy Paxton, Joleen Ardiaolo, Karen Johnston and Linda Dorsett.
Posipanko and women’s head coach Melissa Heinz presented Clark and McLeese of the American Cancer Society with a check that exceeded the original goal by $9,150. In addition to the check presentation, the pre-game ceremony included the introduction of the honorary captains as well as all the members of the soccer teams releasing balloons into the sky in memory of someone close to them or those affected by cancer
“I’d also like to give special thanks to Dr. Limentani for attending the game, for his comments to the crowd, and for allowing us to donate the funds in his honor,” said Posipanko. “We would like to thank the men's and women's soccer teams and members of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity for their fundraising effort. Our student-athletes at Winthrop University have always played a leadership role in community service activities, and this is certainly just another example of our young people doing a good thing for a good cause.”
Two members men’s and women’s team were recognized as being the top individual fundraisers. Adam Skonicki, Matt Horn, Courtney Durbin and Tricia Vensel were the top for each of their respective teams and the four of them raised nearly $2,000 combined.
Posipanko and Heinz plan to make this an annual event and hopes to get more Winthrop athletic teams and organizations involved with the fundraising effort as well.
To view photos from the event, CLICK HERE.
