Kick It to Cancer Tournament Raises $400

People of all ages came out to "kick it to cancer" in Gulfport on Saturday. Despite a rainy weekend, nearly 100 people came out to try their chances at kicking a home run at the first Kick It to Cancer kickball tournament. The event helped raise $400 for Relay for Life of Gulfport.

“We were pretty happy with the turnout of the event. This was the first time we have put on the Kick It To Cancer kickball tournament or any post fundraiser events for the Relay For Life of Gulfport. We know that the rain initially deterred some folks from coming out, but all in all it turned out to be a pretty sunny day, and a pretty great event!” organizer Nina Ionata said.

The Relay For Life of Gulfport takes place annually in April at the . This year, 16 teams participated and raised more than $11,000.

“I am a cancer survivor myself, and although I cannot participate in the kickball game, I participate in the Relay For Life event here in April, and I help out with the events. It is a good cause!” said Sandy Valentine, an active member of the American Cancer Society.

Five teams signed up to play. A local singer, Scott Jogwick, and his friends formed a kickball team to contribute to the American Cancer Foundation. The local band that Jogwick sings for is Sunzabeaches. The Sunzabeaches kickball team was tremendously involved and enthusiastic about playing kickball and having fun at the benefit. 

“This is a great cause, and we are happy to be a part of it!” Jogwick said.

Yummy’s, a Gulfport restaurant, was also at the benefit to show its support and donate to the American Cancer Society. Rue Wilson, who does the catering for Yummy’s restaurant, said that Yummy’s likes to be active in local charities, and that a portion of proceeds made from selling their hot dogs and giant chillers would go to the American Cancer Society. 

Along with the food and kickball tournament, there were gift baskets given away to winners of a drawing. The benefit, despite the dreary weather, raised nearly $400. That money will help people diagnosed with cancer and promote cancer research and education.

“This is our first year of Kick It to Cancer, but we will begin to do it yearly,” Valentine said. 

“The kickball tournament was great because it was an easy pick-up game anyone could play. People of all ages came out to play and watch, and everyone had a blast,” Ionata said. 

If you missed out on the event and would like to be involved in other events from the American Cancer Society, e-mail Theresa Rae Gay at Theresa.Gay@cancer.org.