Kicks For A Cure Inc
About Kicks For A Cure Inc
Kicks For A Cure turns a local soccer weekend in Omaha into funding and awareness for cancer research at Creighton University’s Lynch Cancer Research Center and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. Since 2004, it has provided over $5 million in cancer research funding, with community events that also keep the focus on active, healthy lifestyles. If you care about giving close to home, this is the kind of organization where the connection is easy to see: local fields, local research, local impact.
What sets Kicks For A Cure apart is how rooted it is in Omaha soccer. The annual weekend, the Fall Tailgate fundraiser, and the youth-focused activities all keep the mission connected to student-athletes, young people, and the wider community. The Liz Karnes Memorial Scholarship adds a lasting, very human thread to the work.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Annual Kicks for a Cure weekend
A Friday kickoff event and Saturday soccer matches that raise money and awareness for local cancer research.
Fall Tailgate fundraiser
A fundraiser held during the Creighton and UNO men’s and women’s soccer matches.
Liz Karnes Memorial Scholarship Award
An annual scholarship for a Creighton or University of Nebraska Omaha women’s soccer player that began in 2008 and is now an endowed scholarship.
Soccer skills clinic for underprivileged youth
A clinic conducted by participating teams as part of the weekend activities.
KFAC Youth Soccer Tournament
A youth soccer tournament listed among the organization’s events.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Our mission is to raise funds and awareness for local cancer research at Creighton University’s Lynch Cancer Research Center and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, while also promoting active, healthy lifestyles.
Who they serve
The Omaha community, student-athletes, and young people.
Their impact
- Since 2004, KFAC has provided over $5 million in cancer research funding for the two Omaha cancer centers.
- Total proceeds from the event reached $5,100,000 through the 19-year total.
- In 2025, the event raised almost $400,000.
- In its first fifteen years, KFAC raised over $4.8 million for cancer research.
- In 2009, the event raised an event record $152,000 for cancer research efforts.
How your donation helps
- Local cancer research at Creighton University’s Lynch Cancer Research Center and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center
- Cancer education and prevention awareness
- Genetic cancer research initiatives
- The Liz Karnes Memorial Scholarship for Creighton and UNO women’s soccer players
Our story
Kicks for a Cure began with an idea first envisioned in 2004 by Dave Karnes and Steve and Amy Lindsay. It launched in April 2006, using soccer and a weekend event format to raise funds for cancer research and awareness, inspired by Liz Karnes and her love of soccer.
Events
Annual Kicks for a Cure weekend
AnnualThe annual event includes a Friday kickoff party or auction and Saturday soccer matches at Creighton and UNO venues.
Kick-OFF Party
AnnualA Friday night event that starts the Kicks for a Cure weekend.
Fall Tailgate
AnnualA tailgate fundraiser during Creighton and UNO men’s and women’s soccer matches.
KFAC Youth Soccer Tournament
RecurringA youth soccer tournament associated with Kicks for a Cure.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Kicks For A Cure Inc has shared.
Current needs
- 2026 event sponsors
- Volunteers to staff the Friday fundraising dinner
Volunteer opportunities
- Friday fundraising dinner staff
- Silent auction assistants
- Gate and ticket takers
- Donation encouragers
- Volunteer support for the Kick-OFF Party
Recognition & press
In the media
- Omaha World-Herald, a feature on a Creighton University doctor finding motivation in tracking cancer families.
- Dallas News, a profile of Steve Durham and his renewed passion for philanthropy after facing cancer.
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What happens during the annual Kicks for a Cure weekend?
It includes a Friday kickoff event or auction and Saturday soccer matches that raise funds and awareness for local cancer research.
What is the Fall Tailgate?
It is a fundraiser held during the Creighton and UNO men’s and women’s soccer matches.
What is the Liz Karnes Memorial Scholarship?
It is an annual scholarship for a Creighton or University of Nebraska Omaha women’s soccer player, and it began in 2008.
What volunteer help is needed?
Volunteers help staff the Friday fundraising dinner, including roles like silent auction assistants, gate and ticket takers, and donation encouragers.
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