Theta kicks balls for charity

Given that many people think that CC students are usually more motivated to make a liquor run than engage in philanthropy, this past Saturday’s Kicks for Casa fundraiser was a heartwarming success.

Hosted annually during eighth block by the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Kicks for CASA is a buy-in kickball tournament that raises money for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a nonprofit that trains volunteers to represent children in court cases involving abuse, neglect, and domestic conflict. Whether students were attempting to apply their athleticism to an old childhood pastime or hanging out on the sidelines eating eighth block burgers, the event provided a fun and productive way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

In the words of senior party girl Callie Tappe, “I may not be a professional kickball athlete, and I may not be a professional CASA…but I am a professional whiz at having fun! Kicks for CASA helps me express this facet of myself.”

This year’s event was the largest the sorority has ever put on, both in team participation and money raised. “We raised over $9,000, which is crazy because we usually only raise $2,000, or $3,000,” reported senior Theta member Meredith Ballard. “We also had 26 teams when we usually have 13 or 14.” The success of the event can be attributed to the effective leadership and aggressive recruiting from the Theta girls.

Usually run by returning Thetas, this year’s event was coordinated by two freshmen, Philanthropy Chair Madeline Danesi and Marketing Officer Kara Timken. Seniors Lauren Maccollum and Becky Luetjen were in charge of recruitment, effectively mobilizing their fellow Thetas to organize teams.

On top of the large number of participants, the Thetas were able to solicit sizable donations. “We don’t have a very big budget to spend on [the event, but] we had a huge amount of donations this year from Thetas, parents, and businesses in Colorado Springs. The donations are really what makes the event so successful,” reported Ballard. The most publicized donation was 15 pairs of customized Nike shoes for the tournament winner.

Ranging from tipsy giggling to borderline awkward verbal altercations with referees, the competition proved entertaining. The CC Athletic Department was a sizable presence with soccer, volleyball, hockey, and swim teams all represented.

The finals, which pitted CC men’s soccer against CC men’s hockey, solicited excitement with impressive kickball skills and tank top eye candy. In the end, the reigning champion hockey team took home the title and the Nikes. Overall, the event was a pleasant mix of physical activity, free food, and philanthropy. If you missed out on the fun this year, do better, and get a team together next year!