Holmes, PA – This fall, 55 programs including 38 collegiate men’s and women’s lacrosse teams united on the playing field to make a powerful statement in support of the HEADstrong Foundation™ (HF™). Through 5 special events including the 6th Annual Women’s Nicholas Colleluori Classic in Hempstead NY, 8th Annual Men’s Nicholas Colleluori Classic in Folsom, PA, 2nd Annual University City Classic in Philadelphia, PA, 2nd Annual Face-Off To Fight Blood Cancer in Hopkins, MN and the 1st Annual in HEADstrong Texas Players Clinic in Dallas, TX over $200,000 was raised to support the essential programs and services offered by HF™ to improve quality of life for cancer patients and their families.
“First and foremost we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the teams, coaches, officials, volunteers, assigners, sponsors, vendors and spectators for making our 2014 fall event series such an overwhelming success. It takes an army and we rely on so many people to step up time and time again. The support and generosity from the lacrosse community continues to motivate our relentless efforts. This year we wanted to show the immediate impact of these events, so during each event we handed the mic to actual patient and presented families with checks on the spot. It is a sad reality, but cancer connects us all and it takes someone special to be able to share their experience against cancer and it is our privilege and pleasure to present events that help Real People.” says Cheryl Colleluori, HF President and Nick’s Mom
Immediate impact could be seen on the floors of the Abramson Cancer Center’s Rhoads Pavilion less than 24 hours following the 2nd Annual University City Classic™, where HF™ hosted an art therapy session for 4 floors of cancer patients and caregivers. This project is one of many that HF™ is funding to improve accommodations for those receiving inpatient cancer care at hospitals throughout the country. HF™’s transparency, personalized giving and immediate deployment of resources to support their services is something that truly resonates with supporters of the non-profit organization.
There are many things that contribute to the overall success of HEADstrong events, expanding beyond the fundraising component. The events are organized and facilitated by members of the Colleluori family and their many devoted volunteers and supporters. The organization works diligently to provide an incredible experience while sharing a piece of themselves with spectators. Additionally, all of the participating schools support the cause by fundraising on their respected campuses to give the players vested interest in the cause. Each team is assigned an honorary captain who has been directly affected by the disease. Furthermore, members of the Colleluori family give a heartfelt recognition to through the presentation of the Nick Colleluori Award to players from each team who are transforming the landscape of their program. Combined, the organization has found this personalized approach to be a receipt for successful fall fundraising.
“The competition and atmosphere of our Fall Five was simply incredible. Spectators were treated to some amazing fall lacrosse featuring some of the best men’s and women’s teams in the country who came together to observe the significance of our cause. Each one of the events while unique possessed a positive energy that inspired all who participated and or attended. We are already underway with planning our 2015 fall events and are very excited about the future.” says Pat Colleluori, HF CMO and Nick’s Brother
The funds raised this fall by HEADstrong Foundation™ will be instrumental in supporting their service portfolio. HEADstrong distributes financial assistance on a national level through the Nicholas E. Colleluori Grant program, provides complimentary long-term housing to patients and families through Nick's House™, provides patients with quality of life services such as HEADtable™ and HEAD2head™, is building an educational platform for newly diagnosed patients, and supports innovative blood cancer research through the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma Research Fund.