Kick Cancer day at Target USA CUP raised over $2,600 to fight pediatric cancer

Wednesday, July 17 was Kick Cancer day at Target USA CUP. It was the second year that the tournament partnered with the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital to raise money to fight pediatric cancer. This year the initiative raised a total of $2,605.93 toward the movement.

National Sports Center Sports and Recreation Director Kelly Distad, the leader of the initiative, said she was encouraged by Kick Cancer’s success and its potential to continue to grow and make a difference.

“Hopefully as years go on the cause will just keep catching wind,” she said. “I think making the public even more aware of it would be good.”

The program collected money in a multitude of ways. Kick Cancer headquarters was a booth outside the Centerview Elementary tournament HQ, right next to a booth run by the U of M Masonic Children’s Hospital. Attendees could donate at the booth, and for every $5 donated the donor would get a ticket for a raffle to win gear signed by Minnesota United players. There was a ball signed by midfielder Miguel Ibarra and a pair of goalie gloves signed by goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth.

For every goal scored and shutout recorded, Target USA CUP donated $1 to the Masonic Children’s Hospital. In addition, people could donate online or by adding an extra amount when checking out at the Adidas store in tournament HQ.

The tournament donated $1,781 as a result of goals and shutouts. $332 and $246 came in as a result of online and in person donations. Finally, donors at the Adidas Super Store raised $246.93.

Target USA CUP is honored to partner with the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.

“Their philanthropy is very much in line with the National Sports Center,” Distad said. “With it being one of the biggest youth soccer tournaments in the world, I think it’s important that we give back to pediatric cancer.”

Thank you to everyone who donated or otherwise contributed to such a successful day.