EASTON, Pa. – Slippery Rock University defensive backs coach
Jason Makrinos was among the coaches who recently volunteered their time to serve on the staff for the seventh annual Lauren's First and Goal Football Camp at Lafayette College.
The June 6 camp in Easton generated over $67,000 for Lauren's First and Goal Foundation for pediatric brain tumor research, cancer services and family support.
For the year, the foundation has received more than $213,000 in donations, including a $100,000 commitment from the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration. With the proceeds from the camp, the foundation has raised over $1 million since its creation in 2004.
“The success of this camp would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers and coaches and the unwavering support of Lafayette College,” said John Loose, who created Lauren's First and Goal in honor of his 13-year-old daughter Lauren, a pediatric brain tumor survivor. “It is their dedication to this event that allows us to continue funding the search for a cure and to help families who battle this disease every day.”
Loose proudly reported that 90 cents of every dollar received goes directly towards research, services, family support and awareness of pediatric brain tumors and cancer.
More information about the camps and the foundation is available at
www.laurensfirstandgoal.org.
The Lauren's First and Goal Football Camp welcomed high school student-athletes from 15 different states and Canada, who received offensive and defensive instruction from more than 250 volunteer coaches representing colleges and universities across the nation. In addition, U.S. Naval Academy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo was the featured guest speaker and addressed the campers over lunch. Niumatalolo talked about the four quarters of life and the importance of showing gratitude, making good decisions and being selfless.
Makrinos, a former Rock football graduate assistant who joined the staff on a full-time basis in April after serving two seasons as an assistant coach at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, has been on the Lauren's First and Goal Football Camp staff for each of the last three years.
