Final Kick for Cass brings community together
On July 11, high school soccer teams will converge at Thomas College for the 11th annual Kick for Cass charity play day, an event that has become a staple of summer community service in the region.
The gathering supports the ShineOnCass Foundation, which was created to honor the memory of Cassidy Charette, a talented Messalonskee player who died in a hayride accident in 2014 at the age of 17.
A legacy of giving
The foundation raises money for scholarships, soccer equipment, summer farm camps, violin lessons for young musicians and youth literacy programs, channeling the spirit of teamwork and generosity that defined Cassidy’s short life.
This year’s play day marks the final iteration of the Kick for Cass series, but organizers say the foundation’s work will continue, with plans to expand its mentoring program into Lawrence schools and to reach more families across the state.
Community members, coaches and former players alike will be on hand to celebrate the cause, sharing stories and encouraging young athletes to carry forward the values that Cassidy embodied.