RUSTON -- At 12:01 a.m. Sunday morning, the lights at the Louisiana Tech Soccer Complex were turned on and within minutes people started showing up.

The 24-hour soccer event had officially begun to help raise money for a dog named Luna at the local animal shelter 4 Paws Rescue, a non-profit organization, who needed heart worm surgery.

"The greatest thing about soccer is that anyone can play," said assistant coach Kiva Gresham who helped organize the event along with Lady Techster Kendall Ayers. "We had Tech students from all over the globe, moms and kids, fans and faculty and players of all ability levels. It was incredible to see our Louisiana Tech soccer community come together to enjoy the game and play for a great cause."

In the first hour alone, more than 20 people showed. An hour later, there were over 30 people on the pitch and the cause had already raised over 300 dollars.

The busiest shift of the day came from 12:01 a.m. and 4 a.m. with as many as four teams playing a half-field game of 8v8 with large goals.

Between the hours of 4 a.m. and noon, there was a small group that participated in soccer tennis, penalty kick challenges, juggling challenges and crossbar challenges.

Meanwhile, softball games were being played in the LA Tech Invitational and a few fans came to the soccer field and were kind enough to make donations.

Around 2 p.m., a new group of donors came and played small-sided games. There were Lady Techsters facing off against guys, a mom playing with her two kids, as well as some LA Tech faculty members. This hour featured games with small goals and a lot of laughs.

An hour later, many of the players who came at midnight were back for more action where more 8v8 games with big goals were played throughout the night as Luna watched on happily.

There was over 800 dollars collected. Donations and sponsor money continue to be made in hopes of reaching the 1300 dollar mark to cover the cost. Luna is scheduled to have a vet appointment next week in preparation for the surgery.

If anyone wishes to make a donation, please contact Kiva Gresham at kgresham@latech.edu.