Auburn and Opelika soccer teams raise record amount for EAMC Foundation

Susie Trammell, left, and Susan Cowart hold a check for $4,500 for the EAMC Foundation from Auburn and Opelika's Soccer for a Cure event on April 15. (Photo by Rebecca Kovac, The Auburn Advance)

For 12 years, the soccer rivalry between Auburn and Opelika has helped raise money for the East Alabama Medical Center and local cancer patients. After the opening of the Spencer Cancer Center in 2019, the programs' dedication to that mission grew even stronger.

This past Saturday, Auburn High School hosted the 12th annual Soccer for a Cure event. While both the boys and girls junior varsity and varsity teams played throughout the day, the concourse at Duck Samford Stadium was lined with tents selling different products including pink lemonade and cookies. Vendors such as Burn Nutrition sold loaded teas and shakes and The Chill Spot truck sold tacos, hot dogs and ice cream were donating all proceeds to the EAMC.

Susie Trammell, a teacher and first-year event organizer, said in the past the event has generated around $3000 each year. The goal for this year was to raise $3000, with the expectation to break that goal by the end of the half at the varsity girls game.

Photos from the April 15 Soccer for a Cure event at Auburn High's Duck-Samford Stadium. To make a donation, use the QR code in the second photo. (*Photos by Rebecca Kovac, The Auburn Advance)*

Besides purchasing food or drinks to help the cause, fans could purchase a spot on the Tribute Wall at the entrance of the stadium. On the wall, those in attendance would place a soccer ball in memory of a loved one or in honor of a cancer survivor on either team's side. The names on the Tribute Wall were announced during the half followed by the final amount raised for the day.

A presentation was held at the conclusion of the varsity girls game presenting a total of $4500 to Susan Cowart, the director of the EAMC Foundation. All teams stood together to present a record amount of money raised for the Spencer Cancer Center.

“We are so blessed to have the Spencer Cancer Center right here in the Auburn-Opelika area so that our local cancer patients can stay home and get the treatment that they need,” Cowart said. “Soccer for a Cure and this money is going to make a huge difference in buying the equipment that the doctors need to help treat our patients.”

In the end, both Auburn varsity girls and boys soccer teams defeated Opelika, but Auburn head coach Bill Ferguson said the wins were not the biggest victory of the day. Ferguson mentioned that being able to participate in an event like this means so much to him and the team since so many people in the community have been impacted by cancer.

Donations can still be made through April 22 using the QR Code.

— By Rebecca Kovac, The Auburn Advance