ABOUT
The Kicks for a Cure Mission
Our mission is to raise funds and awareness for local cancer research at Creighton University’s Lynch Comprehensive Cancer Research Center and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, while also promoting active, healthy lifestyles. Since 2004, KFAC has provided $4.4 million in cancer research funding for the two cancer centers right here in Omaha!
Kicks for a Cure’s Annual Event
First envisioned in 2004 by Dave Karnes and Steve and Amy Lindsay, Kicks for a Cure was launched in April 2006. Our theme is Two Teams, One Goal…Beating Cancer. The primary purpose of the weekend is to raise awareness and funding for cancer education and prevention, but also to showcase Omaha as a compassionate, vibrant community where student-athletes and community leaders alike contribute to the cause. Since that first year, more than $4.1 million has been raised benefiting local cancer research.
Funds are raised through sponsorships, donations, and sales of banquet tickets. Grants from funds raised are awarded each year by Kicks for a Cure, Inc., to support cancer research initiatives at two local, world-renowned facilities, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and the Lynch Comprehensive Cancer Research Center at Creighton. Grants are made primarily to focus on genetic cancer research. Additionally, the Liz Karnes Memorial Scholarship for Creighton Women’s Soccer has been awarded since 2008 and is now an endowed scholarship.
Teams participating in Kicks for a Cure have included Division I soccer teams UNO, Nebraska, Marquette, Notre Dame, Yale, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa State, Virginia, Saint Louis, Denver, Drake and host Creighton, as well as Division II teams Rockhurst, South Dakota and Truman State. Local girls’ high school teams have also participated including Westside, Marian, Millard North, Millard West, Millard South, Lincoln Southwest, Elkhorn, Gretna, Skutt, Duchesne and Burke. Since 2012, local boys’ high school teams have participated and include Creighton Prep, Westside, Bellevue East, Elkhorn, Grand Island and Lincoln Lutheran.
Each team plays one game Saturday at Creighton University’s Morrison Stadium or University of Nebraska-Omaha’s Caniglia Field. Other activities include a soccer skills clinic for underprivileged youth conducted by participating teams, and autograph sessions following collegiate games. A Kick-OFF Party on Friday night starts off the weekend in a casual, fun, and festive atmosphere.
THANKS TO ALL PARTICIPATING TEAMS AND SPONSORS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND BECOMING PART OF THE KICKS FOR A CURE FAMILY
FRIENDS OF KICKS FOR A CURE GROUP
HISTORY
Kicks for a Cure (KFAC) has raised over $4.4 million dollars in the first fifteen years for cancer research. First envisioned in 2004 by Dave Karnes and Steve and Amy Lindsay, Kicks for a Cure was launched in April 2006. The primary purpose of KFAC is to raise awareness for cancer education and prevention. It is also to encourage healthy and active lifestyles, which started from the founders love for soccer. Funds are raised through sponsorships, donations, and sale of fundraiser tickets. Grants from funds raised are awarded each year by Kicks for a Cure, Inc., to support cancer research initiatives at two local, world-renowned facilities, the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and the Lynch Comprehensive Cancer Research Center at Creighton University. The research primarily targets hereditary cancer, but is more global in its impact. Additionally, the Liz Karnes Memorial Scholarship for Creighton and UNO Women’s Soccer has been awarded annually and is now an endowed scholarship.
KICKS FOR A CURE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Kate Betsworth, Vice President
Melissa Regan, Executive Director
Kevin Quinn, Treasurer
Natalie Simmonds, Secretary
Brenda Christensen
Keith Clark
Jeff Hoffman
Rod Kestel
Amy Lindsay
Kara Karnes Mason
Andy Max
Teri Mercer
Kate Parker, Friends Board President
Brandi Preston
Kiley Shanahan
Thomas Sowinski
Kalen Karnes Strickland
Tom Worthington
KICKS FOR A CURE NEWS
On October 25, 2020 we had to say goodbye to our co-founder and friend Dave Karnes. We are heartbroken for Dave’s wife Kris, and daughters, Korey, Kalen, Kara, Laurel, Katharine, and Alexandra. We mourn with them, but are thankful that they are all a part of our lives because of Kicks for a Cure.
It is cliché, yet true, that Dave would want us to continue this fight. He spent countless hours making KFAC what it is today. Our 2021 sponsorship letter was composed as Dave waged his battle. True to form, Dave wanted to sign these letters even while battling cancer, but he could not. We can, and must, move ahead without him here. And we ask for your support.
We are grateful to have partnered with Dave over the years on our crazy idea in 2004 to use the recently opened Morrison Stadium for a soccer fundraiser for cancer research and awareness. It is because of our introduction to Dave, who had recently lost his wife Liz to cancer, that we were able to get traction and go on to raise our first $100,000 in April of 2006. Without Dave, there simply would be no Kicks for a Cure.
We miss Dave, and we know you do as well. His wonderful spirit will live on in the family and friends he leaves behind.
Gratefully,
Amy and Steve Lindsay
Kicks for a Cure Co-Founders