St. Charles high schools raise funds at Kick-A-Thon

Friday's 24th annual St. Charles Kick-A-Thon at St. Charles East High School had the same goal as all the others - raise as much money as possible to help fight cancer.

The joint effort by St. Charles North and East high schools has resulted in raising more than $1 million since 1994. Last year, the schools raised more than $100,000.

This year's beneficiaries are Living Well Cancer Resource Center in Geneva, Fox Valley Food for Health and the American Cancer Society.

The Kick-A-Thon was originally intended to raise money for the St. Charles High School Drill Team. So much money was raised the team sought an organization to donate the extra money to. Football coach Buck Drach suggested the American Cancer Society. His wife, Rose, a teacher at the school, had cancer, and her spirit was the inspiration.

Over the years the Kick-A-Thon became a community event, celebrated at the annual football game between the high schools.