June 18, 2009

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Tampa, Fla. - Nearly 400 high school students participated in Lauren's First and Goal Football Camp on Sunday, June 14. The one-day clinic, which expanded from Pennsylvania to Tampa in 2008, brought together aspiring football players and college coaches, as well as current and former NFL players to the University of South Florida to help raise money for pediatric brain tumor research.

"We had a tremendous coaching staff which included the entire USF staff, Lafayette staff, visiting college coaches and many current and former NFL players from the area," said camp director and Lafayette defensive coordinator John Loose. "It was also great to see so many volunteers with Lafayette ties helping out in Florida." Current Buccaneer players, including wide receiver Brian Clark, offensive lineman James Lee and linebacker Rod Wilson along with assistant Tampa Bay coach Chris Mosley volunteered their time to support the cause.

The $12,000 donated by campers, in addition to the $100,000 pledge by Leo Govoni of the Special Needs Trust in Clearwater, Fla., brings the 2009 total to more than $210,000. The donations, which will be used for research and various other cancer services, benefit children like Loose's daughter, Lauren and Justen Jones, a 10 year-old Tampa native who has just had his third relapse with brain tumors. Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach and Lauren's First and Goal's guest speaker, Raheem Morris, addressed the crowd of camp participants.

"Coach Morris did a great job with everyone he came in contact with and Justen Jones' inspiration stole the show. We are really excited with how the second camp went," Loose said. "Judging by all the positive feedback from parents, coaches and campers we are sure the camp in Florida will continue to grow."

The Pennsylvania camp, which concluded its sixth year at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., raised $190,000 on June 7 with Connecticut head coach Randy Edsall serving as the guest speaker. Loose, who has worked as Lafayette's defensive coordinator since 2000, and his wife, Marianne, started Lauren's First and Goal in 2004 for their daughter who continues to battle brain tumors.

With the generosity of its volunteers and sponsors, Lauren's First and Goal is able to donate all of the proceeds directly to pediatric brain tumor research and cancer services. To donate, please visit www.laurensfirstandgoal.org.