WATERVILLE, Maine — More than 500 soccer players from across the state showed up to Kick for Cass, an 11-hour continuous soccer game that honors Cassidy Charette who died in a hayride accident in 2014.
The 11 hours of play signify Cassidy’s number 11 jersey when she played on the girls soccer team at Messalonskee High School.
Friends, family, and fellow soccer players gathered at Thomas College in Waterville to keep Charette's memory alive.
"Just remembering her joy, remembering her service, and remembering how she brings people together," Fern Calkins, who was Charette's close friend and teammate said.
The organization ShineOnCass continues to bring the community together in Charette's honor.
Nineteen high school soccer teams and community teams played round-robin style, having fun and remembering Charette.
"Working for a good cause, knowing that there's something bigger than themselves, bigger than the team," Madison Hartley, head varsity coach for the Hampden boys soccer team, said.
"Everyone here knows why they're here, knows what they're supporting, and it's really incredible as her friend to see all that," Calkins said.
Monica Charette, Cassidy Charette's mother, said grief is a long and difficult journey, but having a support system makes a difference.
"Having this many people surround you lifts you, makes your light a little lighter, and really propels Cass's light far into the future," she said.
The proceeds from the event are going towards the ShineOnCass Foundation's Central Maine United Soccer Scholarship, to keep Charette's light shining in the next generation of players.
"Being able to represent ShineOnCass is a very big honor," Emma-Jane Parsons, player and volunteer at Kick for Cass, said.
Parsons just graduated from Messalonskee High School and was awarded the ShineOnCass Community Service Scholarship for making service and kindness a part of her everyday life.
She has been kicking for Cass for three years and is happy to represent Charette by giving back to the community.
"Everything you would want to be, she was,” Parsons said. “And it's just really exciting to be acknowledged for that.”
Charette’s legacy inspires the community to spread joy and help each other.
"I really I think Cassidy's legacy is her kindness and the way she treated everyone around her. No one was treated differently," Monica Charette said. "So, I think really that is what we celebrate here today and that's what I want people to remember about Cass."