LucStrong Kickit Challenge
LucStrong Foundation adapts to COVID-19 restrictions
Photo Courtesy of the LucStrong Foundation
During pre-pandemic times, the LucStrong foundation — a nonprofit organization devoted to combatting sickle cell disease — held an annual kickball tournament to raise funds for the organization.
The annual LucStrong Kickball fundraiser will look a little different during the age of COVID-19.
During pre-pandemic times, the LucStrong foundation — a nonprofit organization devoted to combatting sickle cell disease — held an annual kickball tournament to raise funds for the organization.
“We have individuals, families, companies, etc. put together teams, raise money, and play kickball games against other teams who have done the same. The money raised goes to help families with children fighting sickle cell disease,” co-founder and president of LucStrong Stacy Bodden said.
The event draws hundreds of locals together for a common cause.
“Our first year in 2017, we had 200 participants and each year we have seen subsequent growth. Last year, we had 500 people at our live event so we are steadily growing,” Stacy said.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual kickball event has transitioned to a virtual format for 2020. The new format called the LucStrong KickIt challenge is a socially distanced way to raise both awareness and donations.
“People are participating by creating a video of themselves challenging three people, making a donation in any amount to the LucStrong Foundation, and giving a ‘kick to sickle cell disease’ by using a ball of any kind and coming up with their most creative kick. It’s been amazing to see the spectrum of creativity by all of the participants so far!” Stacy said.
So far, many in the community have participated in this challenge, encouraging others in the process.
“It’s great to see everyone’s support so far. We were all pretty disappointed about the kickball fundraiser getting canceled due to COVID-19. But seeing people do the challenge really means a lot, and we are just getting started!” product design/media coordinator for the Lucstrong foundation Shane Bodden said.
The challenge has had a far-reaching impact and according to the website for the challenge, has raised nearly $10,000 so far.
“We have amazing support and participation from our wonderful community and beyond. We are hoping the #kickitchallenge will go viral so that The LucStrong Foundation can do even more to help this much-underserved sickle cell community,” Stacy said.
Even Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent got in on the action, completing the challenge from the NBA Bubble.
“Gabe has always been a family friend. He was and still is like a big brother to me and was the same way with Luc,” Shane Bodden said.
Visit www.lucstrong.org to donate and for more information on the event.
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