Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/15/09
From Press Releases
The HEADstrong Foundation has announced today that it raised over $180,000 to benefit blood cancer research, programs and awareness through proceeds from the the 3rd Annual Nick Colleluori Lacrosse Classic.
The two-day event was held Oct. 10-11 at Ridley High in honor of Nick Colleluori, a Ridley grad who died three years ago after a 14-month battle against Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma while a student-athlete at Hofstra University.
A crowd estimated at 8,000 attended the event, which featured 16 college men’s teams. More than 100 volunteers helped run the event, recognized as one of the major Fall Ball tourneys of the season.
HEADstrong President Cheryl Colleluori (Nick’s mother) said that 60 percent of the funds will be distributed for blood cancer research and the rest will go to patient support and program funding.
“Our family is still trying to figure things out and adjust to a life without Nick, it is very rewarding to be able to give back to the cancer community through the lacrosse community, all in Nick’s name,” said Colleluori, during the HEADstrong presentation given both Saturday and Sunday.
During the presentation Saturday, Neal Goldman of Brine presented a check for $28,473.27, which represented the first quarter proceeds from the sale of the “Relentless 27” custom product line.
Saturday showcased nine Division 1 men’s teams; Philly’s Penn, Drexel, Villanova and St. Joseph’s as well as UMBC, Hofstra, Detroit Mercy, Lafayette College and Mount St. Mary’s. Sunday showcased six Division III squads; Philly’s Ursinus and Widener and McDaniel College, Wesley College, York College, and Scranton, and one Division II team, Wheeling Jesuit University.
These teams generated $76,500 in revenues by selling HEADstrong t-shirts on their respective campuses.
Colleluori credited the success of this event to the volunteers and thanked the Ridley Community, Ridley High School staff and administrators, Ridley Lacrosse team and boosters, and Team HEADstrong.
To get involved or to participate in next year’s event, please email the Foundation at headstrongfoundation@gmail.com
