On January 25, 2013, the boys and girls Varsity soccer teams held their fourth annual Kicks Against Cancer game to raise money for Camp Okizu, a center for cancer patients and their families.

The Camp Okizu websites states that “the mission of Okizu is to provide peer support, respite, mentoring, and recreational programs to meet the needs of all members of families affected by childhood cancer.”

This year, the boys took on Pinewood School while the girls played against Eastside College Preparatory School and both teams won.

Tickets to the game were Kicks Against Cancer T-shirts, sold by the players for $10. In addition, other merchandise including hair ties, raffle tickets, and wristbands were sold during lunch and at the game.

Students could also choose to pay an additional dollar to have their handprint in purple paint as well as their name written in black pen onto a bed sheet that was hung up as a decoration at the game.

Many students thought that the game was a great way to raise money and awareness for cancer patients.

“It’s good that [the soccer] program has this game to raise money. These kids are going through a hard time with cancer,” JV soccer player Felix Wu (10) said.

During halftime, students were given the opportunity to kick soccer balls at their teachers for the price of a dollar. The teachers who decided to participate in this fundraiser, entitled “Butt’s Up?”, included Diana Moss, Dr. Victor Adler, Jason Berry, Andrew Irvine, Samuel Lepler, Julie Wheeler, and Jane Keller.

“It’s fun, [and] helps a good cause. […] Who wouldn’t want to kick a ball at their teacher’s butt?” Lepler said. “It’s just fun for everybody.”

At the time of publication, it is unknown exactly how much money was raised. However, a $1,000 check was given to each of the four families, bringing the total to at least $4,000.