BOSTON, Mass. (February 7, 2012) – Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced Tuesday it has partnered with the HEADstrong Foundation and will use the 2012 MLL All-Star Game as a vehicle to raise awareness and funds for those affected by blood cancer. The game will take place at FAU Stadium in Palm Beach County, FL on Saturday, June 30 at 7:30 PM, EST. The MLL All-Star Game will be televised live on ESPN2 and streamed on ESPN3.com.
The HEADstrong Foundation was founded by the late Nicholas Colleluori, a former Hofstra University lacrosse standout, after he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Carried on by his mother Cheryl and his family, the HEADstrong Foundation is one of the most recognized non-profit organizations that advocates, fundraises, and supports those affected by blood cancer and those working towards eliminating it.
Today, HEADstrong Foundation has made major strides to support those affected by blood cancer, including helping to fund research and directly supporting families through financial and moral support.
“Nick’s story is truly inspiring,” said MLL Commissioner David Gross. “HEADstrong, which he laid the foundation for after being diagnosed, is a testament to Nick’s character and we are thrilled to support this extremely admirable cause and to spread awareness of blood cancer.”
“This is something we have been hoping for,” said Cheryl Colleluori, president of the HEADstrong Foundation. “We have been recognized at the youth and collegiate levels, but to come full circle and be recognized at the professional level really solidifies the mission of our Foundation. It is a distinct privilege and it’s thrilling for us to be a part of the MLL All-Star Game.”
“Nicholas continues to be our inspiration, but it’s the lacrosse community that has been instrumental in furthering our mission,” Cheryl said. “Creating an organization within the game of lacrosse to advocate blood cancer awareness was the vision of my son. The widespread interest of the HEADstrong Foundation has been the most uplifting experience which continues to fuel our relentlessness. We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Major League Lacrosse and all of our supporters throughout the game for this amazing opportunity.”
Elements of HEADstrong’s distinct lime green corporate colors and foundation logo, which was designed by Nick himself, will be prominent throughout the All-Star Game, including the All-Star Game jerseys. Immediately following the game, MLL’s All-Stars will take the jerseys off their backs, autograph them and all game-worn jerseys will be listed for auction via the MLL’s website. All net proceeds generated from the auction will be donated to the HEADstrong Foundation.
In addition to the funds raised by MLL fans through auction bids, the New Balance Foundation will once again generously match the net dollar amount being donated to benefit the HEADstrong Foundation. The New Balance Foundation has been partnering with the charitable giving generated by the MLL’s All-Star game for the past five seasons. Together, they have helped to raise over $140,000 for charities nation-wide. Past beneficiaries of the MLL All-Star Game have included Wounded Warrior Project (2007), Special Olympics North America (2008), the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (2009), MetroLacrosse (2010) and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (2011).
Tickets for the 2012 MLL All-Star Game will be available for purchase beginning on February 20 at 10:00 AM, ET at www.Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or by visiting any Ticketmaster Outlet. Tickets start at $20 and special group rates are available.