For the second straight year, UNMC was one of the winners at The Big Event Awards Celebration recognizing the top special events in the community.
This year’s UNMC winner was the “Kicks for a Cure” event, which was recognized in the Health Organization category. The event raised more than $152,000.
Proceeds from “Kick” benefits three causes:
- The Liz’s Legacy Fund supporting cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center;
- The Creighton University Hereditary Cancer Center, and
- A scholarship in Liz’s name for the Creighton University Women’s Soccer program.
The two-day event, which is designed to raise awareness of women’s cancer, took place on April 18-19 at Creighton’s Michael G. Morrison, S.J., Stadium. It included a free soccer clinic for underprivileged youth, which was conducted by participating players and coaches, and a kickoff fundraising dinner at the Mutual of Omaha dome.
On the second day, eight women’s soccer teams — four high school and four college — played exhibition matches at Morrison Stadium.
Two UNMC Eppley Cancer Center researchers — Hamid Band, M.D., Ph.D., and Vimla Band, Ph.D. — spoke at the fundraising dinner.
Dr. Vimla Band said she was quite impressed with the event.
“I’ve been involved in women’s cancer my entire career,” she said. “I’ve worked in larger cities such as Boston and Chicago, and I’ve never seen anything like ‘Kicks for a Cure.’ It brought together many young women and provided them with important awareness on women’s cancer.
“We are seeing female cancers — ovarian, cervical and breast — in increasing numbers in younger women. This event allowed young women to help raise money for cancer research, while making them aware of how prevention and screening at an early age can really make a difference.”
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“I’ve been involved in women’s cancer my entire career. I’ve worked in larger cities such as Boston and Chicago, and I’ve never seen anything like ‘Kicks for a Cure.'”
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“The great thing about this event is that it is directed toward women’s cancer,” Thompson said. “Those close to Liz think it really represents some of Liz’s greatest passions. She was the ultimate soccer mom. Combining an event where student-athletes are achieving and excelling at the sport that they love with raising cancer awareness in the community, and support for two programs in which she took great pride, really makes it a special undertaking for her family and friends.”
Two of Liz Karnes’ dearest friends, Thompson said, were Ken and Annie Bird, who served as event chairs for Kicks for a Cure this year. They have offered to serve in the same role in 2009 to continue to build upon this year’s effort. The Birds accepted the award at The Big Event this year.
Ken Bird served as superintendent of the Westside Community Schools for 16 years before retiring earlier this year. He is now serving as president and CEO of Building Bright Futures, a non-profit entity and initiative that serves youth education in Omaha. Annie Bird is coordinator of the Munroe-Meyer Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at UNMC.
The Big Event was held at the Holland Performing Arts Center this year. It included a cocktail buffet and a champagne and dessert celebration.
In 2007, the Eppley Cancer Center’s Ambassador of Hope Gala honoring Tom Brokaw, legendary broadcaster for NBC News, was a winner at The Big Event in the Best Speaker/Special Guest category.