First envisioned in 2004 by Dave Karnes and Steve and Amy Lindsay, Kicks for a Cure was launched in April 2006. The primary purpose of the weekend is to raise awareness for cancer education and prevention. It is also an opportunity to showcase Omaha as a compassionate, vibrant community where health care, education, commerce and recreation intertwine. Since that first year, more than $918,000 has been raised benefiting local cancer research.

Funds are raised through sponsorships, donations, and sale of banquet and game tickets to the general public. Grants from funds raised are awarded each year by Kicks for a Cure, Inc., to support cancer research initiatives at two local, world-renowned facilities, UNMC Eppley Cancer Center and Creighton University Hereditary Cancer Center. The research primarily targets cancers affecting women, but is more global in its impact.  Additionally, the Liz Karnes Memorial Scholarship for Creighton Women's Soccer has been awarded for four years and is now an endowed scholarship.

Teams participating in Kicks for a Cure have included Division I soccer teams UNO, Nebraska, Marquette, Notre Dame, Yale, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa State, Virginia Saint Louis, Denver and host Creighton, as well as Division II teams Rockhurst, South Dakota and Truman State.  Local girls’ high school teams have also participated including Westside, Marian, Millard North, Millard West, Millard South, Lincoln Southwest, Elkhorn, Gretna, Skutt and Burke. In 2012, Westside and Bellevue East met in the first high school boys game showcased by Kicks for a Cure.  

Each team plays one game Saturday at Creighton University’s Morrison Stadium (18^th & California Streets), which has a seating capacity of over 7,000.  Other activities include a soccer skills clinic for underprivileged youth conducted by participating teams, and autograph sessions following collegiate games.  A benefit banquet Friday night kicks off the weekend. Approximately 500 people each year make a dinner event a unique experience where attendees interact with participating players in a family friendly environment.

Your support of Kicks for a Cure is an investment in our people and our community.