Number of Participants: 52
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $7,236
Event Amount Raised: $11,200
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Activity: Football
School: Hill-Murray School
Date: October 3, 2025
Location:
Hill-Murray School
Larpenteur Avenue East, Maplewood
MN
About:
Hill-Murray School is celebrating the remarkable fundraising effort led by the Pioneer Football Team through their Tackle Cancer Event. The event, which raises awareness and funds for cancer causes, has a personal significance for the organizers—both the son and daughter of the event coordinator are childhood cancer survivors.
The team began by surveying players on which type of cancer they wanted to highlight. Breast Cancer was the top choice, with plans to rotate the focus to a different cause in future years. Each player invited friends and family to have their names featured on the back of personalized “Tackle Cancer” T-shirts for a $20 donation per name. With just 11 days to rally support, the players’ efforts were extraordinary, raising over $11,200.
Parents and community supporters responded enthusiastically. The modest donation amount made participation easy, and many shared personal stories, including connections to cancer survivors and shared experiences with hospitals and doctors. One teammate, Yonel, is also a cancer survivor, highlighting the close-knit, supportive nature of the Hill-Murray community.
The event showcased not only the team’s dedication on the field but also their compassion, unity, and commitment to serving others. Observers noted the deep sense of purpose and joy that radiated from the players as they worked together for a cause greater than themselves.
The Pioneer Football Team’s Tackle Cancer Event is a shining example of how athletics, community, and faith can come together to make a real difference in the lives of others.
