Kicks-4-Kids Scores in Second Annual Event

The final numbers have not been tallied yet but this past weekend the tight knit soccer community came together in Howell to remember one of their own while benefitting several local organizations.

Held at Soldier Memorial Park the Second Annual Madison Beggs Kicks-4-Kids event was held on a beautiful summer day in the township and was a rousing success according to the organizers. Debbie McDevitt said she believed the day on the pitch helped raise more than $20,000 that will go to The Frances Foundation, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and Make-A-Wish.

McDevitt’s daughter Jayne was a friend of the 12-year-old Howell resident who lost a difficult battle with cancer last year. It was clear from the level of competition and the passion of the participants that Madison’s legacy of fighting the disease is still strong in the minds of her family, friends and people who knew her.

“We cannot thank enough all those people and businesses that donated to and sponsored this event,” she said. “Our volunteers are the best around, giving their time and talent in planning, preparation and hours upon hours of the event.”

It was an action packed day on the field with more than 30 teams descending on the township facility which McDevitt said made it an even more special event. “It was so fantastic to see everyone playing for the fun of the game and a for a great cause.” She added, “Our community is truly amazing.”

Soccer may have been the name of the game but McDevitt said the day was about a lot more than winning and losing. “Everyone present could see all the kids and families having fun, the smiles on their faces were priceless,” she said. “It is wonderful so many people came together in one place, for one cause… to fight childhood cancer one kick at a time, in memory of Madi.”