The Tully and Fabius-Pompey “Communities Kickin’ Cancer” games began in 2015 as a way for the rival soccer schools to unite and raise money for cancer research. The inaugural event was held in honor of community members and loved ones who had fought the disease. Tully’s boys soccer coach’s mother had just beaten breast cancer and Donna Voggel, a Tully parent, was battling breast cancer. The idea for the fundraiser was conceived by the boys’ varsity soccer coaches, Matt Neuner of Fabius-Pompey and Bill Donald of Tully at the 2015 National Soccer Coaches Convention. They decided that the game would be played at Fabius due to their outstanding field and complex. They wanted to find a way for their players to give back to their communities. The first “Communities Kicking Cancer” game in 2015 raised money for Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. Since the first year, the event has continued as an annual tradition with both communities working together to make the event a success. The event’s proceeds had benefited various cancer charities, including the Upstate Cancer Center and the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. This event brings together players, coaches, parents, and local businesses from both communities to honor those affected by cancer. We really need the support from both communities to make this event successful. Prior to this year, the two schools had raised more than $100,000 over the nine years of the event. Last year they set a new record, collecting $20,000. This year, the event was held at Tully High School for the first time on October 11, and together the schools raised $17,500.
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