Every year, the Ankeny High School soccer program uses their annual game against Ankeny Centennial to fundraise for a cause of their choosing. This past year they chose On With Life not only to be the recipient of funds raised at the game, but also as a volunteer project for the team.
The team was familiar with On With Life as their soccer community has been touched by the organization in various ways over the years. It became the obvious choice for their annual cause when a teacher and JV soccer coach for Ankeny High School, Greg Lage, was served at On With Life following a bicycle accident the previous summer.
“The staff at On With Life were instrumental to his recovery and nearly all of our boys have either had him as a teacher, coach, or both,” said Kyle Ragusin, the varsity assistant coach. “We wanted to give back to the place that had done so much for him.”
In the weeks leading up to their big game, the boys spent a day volunteering in On With Life’s therapy grounds, cleaning up and laying new mulch so others could enjoy the outdoor space. Throughout the day they were told stories from staff members about various persons served and their experiences, which, coupled with their own personal connection through Greg, really hit home for them.
“It was great to see the boys take an interest in the work they were doing,” said Kyle. “I believe we grew as a team that day. It really was a great experience.”
Greg was also the inspiration behind the t-shirts the program designed and sold in order to raise money for On With Life. Between t-shirts sales and a portion of ticket and concession sales, the Ankeny High School soccer program donated more than $1,000 to On With Life.