High schools to hold annual Kickathon for cancer awareness
Sixteen years ago, the annual St. Charles High School Kickathon started as a way for the school drill team to raise funds. They raised so much money they decided to donate to American Cancer Society in Rose Drach's name. She was a former St. Charles teacher, battling cancer.
When St. Charles High School split into East and North in 2000, the kickathon took on an increased significance. The annual event has united both high schools in working for a common cause. This year is the 16th annual Kickathon which will be held Friday, Oct. 23 at East High School. The girls and drill team families will be hosting a kickoff dinner before the game for all those participating in this year's event.
"It brings our community together, teams together and two schools together," said St. Charles North drill team coach Nancy Franson. "Our kids get to know each other. Even though we do compete, we can still work together and achieve something so positive."
The girls have raised money by collecting at various locations around the community, selling ribbons and T-shirts, as well as by receiving generous donations from sponsors, family and friends. In 2008 the drill teams raised more than $74,000 for the American Cancer Society and LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Geneva. The teams have raised more than $400,000 for these causes over the past 16 years.
This year's final tally won't be announced until the East-North basketball game in January, when the schools' drill teams present the check to representatives from the American Cancer Society and the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Geneva, which provides meals and educational resources for cancer patients. Not only do the girls raise money for the LivingWell center, but the girls host the annual Christmas party, help with the annual Bridge Walk and wash dishes for the Culinary Comforts program at the LivingWell Center.
Anyone wishing to donate can go online and visit www.kick-a-thon.org or ask any drill team member for more information. This year's Kickathon chairmen are Susan Aguilar, scaguilar@aol.com, from St. Charles East and Linda Pawelski, sixcatslp@aol.com, from St. Charles North High School.