Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/10/15
From Press Release
When it comes to helping a good cause, the University of Delaware men’s lacrosse program has proven it can get the job done in a big way.
The annual fall fundraising campaign in support of the HEADstrong Foundation through the Lacrosse Mustache Madness program raised a record $122,000 when the final tally was announced last month. The total surpassed the previous record of $108,000 set in 2013.
Over 52 fundraising teams grew mustaches for the cause this year but it was the Friends of University of Delaware Men’s Lacrosse anchored by legendary men’s lacrosse coach and Lax Stache Hall of Famer Bob Shillinglaw who made Lax Stache history, raising a record breaking $27,331. The Blue Hens easily outdistanced runner-up HEADstrong Lax Texas ($13,931) and Friends of University of Richmond Men’s Lacrosse ($10,030).
Individually, three Delaware student-athletes ranked among the top 10 fundraisers as Elijah Conte brought it $4,482.77 to rank No. 4, Tyler Mardian ranked No. 8 by raising $2,070, and Jackson Finigan finished ninth by raising $2,009. Delaware had nine team members raise $1,000 or more and together the team had over 400 people donate to the cause.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our guys,” said Shillinglaw, who will begin his 37th year at the helm when the Blue Hens open the season at High Point Feb. 1. “Several of our players and coaches have been affected by cancer so it is a cause that is near and dear to them. They set a goal to be the top fundraising team and they easily accomplished it. We are lucky to have a special group of players who are so passionate about not only playing the game but helping a great cause.”
Lacrosse Mustache Madness™ is a charity campaign uniting the lacrosse community in support of the HEADstrong Foundation™. This interactive, online driven fundraiser encourages lacrosse teams and players to grow or draw on mustaches of any imaginable shape or size and use them to raise money for the cause. HEADstrong Foundation™ is a 501(c)(3) committed to being a resource for cancer patients and families, helping them to navigate the harrowing ordeal of cancer by providing essential programs and services to improve quality of life.
The Blue Hens were even recognized for their efforts by New Jersey Governor and University of Delaware graduate Chris Christie who wrote the team, stating “learning of the compassionate deeds of my alma mater makes me proud to be a Blue Hen. It is through dedication and leadership of students like you that we can bring awareness to and educate others about blood cancers, and I commend your commitment to such a worthy cause.”
In addtion, Pat Colleluori, CMO of the HEADstrong Foundation, will visit with the team this Tuesday, Jan. 13, to congratulate them and thank them for their fundraising efforts.
“Words cannot even begin to convey our excitement or our gratitude to everyone who was involved this year. Lax Stache Madness continues to make history and we have seen so many amazing acts of generosity and support for HEADstrong and those affected by cancer. Teams were determined to make a difference, the competition, creativity and originality exuded by our participants this year was simply incredible. We wish to congratulate all of our participants and hope that everyone enjoys their victory shave.” said Ken Clausen, LMM founder.
Delaware’s original goal was $10,000 but the members of the Blue Hens reached $12,458 in just three days, including a record $6,700 raised i n 24-hour period.
“On behalf of the HEADstrong Foundation™, we wish to thank everyone who participated, contributed to or sponsored Lacrosse Mustache Madness this year. $122,000 is an incredible achievement and the funds raised will be instrumental in allowing us the ability to strengthen our commitment to cancer patients and families. We wish to sincerely thank Ken Clausen, Rebecca Vozzo, our sponsors, partners and all of those who were involved this year,” Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President.
Please visit http://www.HEADstrong.org to learn about how HEADstrong is changing the game for those affected by cancer.
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