Kickball tournament raised money camp for kids with cancer

COEUR d’ALENE — A real estate networking group took their fun very seriously during a kickball tournament in late September at Ramsey Park. Teams of real estate agents and some children were bolstered by North Idaho College athletes as they participated in the Kickin’ It Forward competition.

NIC coaches also were present to cheer on their athletes and help hone in on team strategy.  The championship game came down to the two teams that had the most NIC athletes, Dussell’s Dominators and EXP Realty Kickin' Home Runs. The performance by Dussell’s Dominators earned them both the tournament trophy and bragging rights.

Through Kickin’ it Forward, the Coeur d’Alene Regional Realtors Young Professionals Network was able to raise $4,500 for Camp Journey NW, funding several getaway camp experiences for local children battling cancer. 

Stefan Smith is the chairperson for the Young Professionals Network and said the charity’s mission made it an easy unanimous decision when the realtor group was in the planning phases for the kickball event.

“To have the opportunity to sponsor kids and families affected by cancer right here in North Idaho was one that we couldn't pass up,” Smith said.

Katie Lien said that to help kids dealing with so much was a guiding light for the tournament festivities.

“YPN was looking to create an annual fundraiser that was cool, engaging, and exciting with

the goal to benefit a local nonprofit. The Kickin’ it Forward Kickball tournament was just

that. We had a great turnout, a lot of fun, and raised $4,500,” Lien said.

There were 12 teams competing with 150-200 people participating over all, driven by the same aims to compete, have fun and know their money and time was benefiting local children.

“Camp Journey NW provides young cancer survivors with a nurturing, medically supervised, magical week where they get to immerse themselves in a fun-filled outdoor camp experience. With the money that we raised, we get to sponsor 3.5 kids! That’s so cool,” Lien said.

To learn more about Camp Journey NW, visit https://campjourneynw.org/.

    Stefen Smith presents Rich Dussell with the first place trophy for the Kickin' It Forward Tournament.

    All of the teams in the Kickin’ it Forward kickball tournament pose at Ramsey Park. Through the event, the Coeur d’Alene Regional Realtors Young Professionals Network was able to raise $4,500 for Camp Journey NW, funding several getaway camp experiences for local children battling cancer.

    Monica Zylstra and Abby Zylstra celebrate their win with a hug after the Ladder Legends real Estate team scored 1-0 over Windermere Real Estate during the Kickin' It Forward kickball tournament.