Number of Participants: 200
Hours Donated: 6
Value of Time Served: $41,748
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Activity: Schools
School: Kasson-Mantorville High School
Date: January 29, 2026
Location:
Kasson-Mantorville Senior High School
16th Street Northeast, Kasson
MN
About:
What began 15 years ago as a single act of compassion has grown into one of Kasson-Mantorville High School’s most meaningful traditions. Launched by Ryan Haralson and the girls’ basketball team, KoMets vs. Cancer has evolved into a powerful, community-wide initiative driven by student leadership, teamwork, and a shared commitment to supporting neighbors in need.
Each winter, student coordinators from the FCCLA/LEO Club partner with KM winter sports teams to organize silent auctions during home events for Wrestling, Dance, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, and Gymnastics. Working alongside a parent coordinator, students collect donated items and raise funds benefiting the KoMets vs. Cancer Foundation, established through the school’s KM Care & Share Committee.
Beyond the silent auctions, students lead a variety of creative fundraising efforts. KoMets vs. Cancer t-shirts are designed and sold, a school-day 3-on-3 basketball tournament brings energy and excitement to the halls, and additional activities engage the entire student body. This year, the initiative is expanding even further with a lively “Teacher Coin War,” where the teacher who raises the most money will be taped to the wall. If the overall fundraising goal is met, students will also earn the chance to “Pie a Teacher” — an incentive that has sparked plenty of enthusiasm.
The goal once again this year is to raise more than $10,000 through these combined efforts. Adding to the momentum, the KM Volleyball team hosted a cancer fundraiser earlier this year and generously donated those proceeds to the KoMets vs. Cancer initiative, reinforcing the all-school commitment behind the cause.
Most importantly, funds raised through KoMets vs. Cancer stay local. The foundation provides direct support to community members undergoing cancer treatment, with individuals able to apply for assistance through the KoMets vs. Cancer website. In a powerful example of student leadership, applications are reviewed by a student-led committee, which votes on how funds are distributed. Last year alone, five community members received support during their treatment journeys.
KoMets vs. Cancer stands as a testament to what can happen when students are empowered to lead with empathy. Year after year, Kasson-Mantorville students continue to show that school spirit extends far beyond competition — it’s about showing up for one another when it matters most.
https://sites.google.com/komets.k12.mn.us/kometsvscancer?usp=sharing
