June 18, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - During its first five years, Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes' "Lift For Life®" has experienced tremendous growth. More than $230,000 has been raised for the Kidney Cancer Association and members of 2008 Nittany Lion squad are looking to continue the growing contributions to this great cause.
The Sixth Annual Penn State "Lift For Life" is set for Friday, July 11 from 2-7 p.m. in Holuba Hall. Last year's "Lift For Life" was the most successful to date, with more than 90 Nittany Lion football student-athletes testing their strength and endurance in an 11-event strength and conditioning challenge that raised more than $80,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association.
Founded by Penn State Football teammates in 2003, "Lift For Life" has continued to build awareness, and raise money for the Kidney Cancer Association. Penn State Uplifting Athletes is a student organization run by current football student-athletes, including: Brett Brackett, Jesse Alfreno, Patrick Mauti, Ryan Gmerek, Brennan Coakley, Kevion Latham, Tyler Ahrenhold, Anthony Scirrotto, Josh Matzkin and Doug Rheam.
Uplifting Athletes SM is an organization of Penn State football student-athletes working together to raise awareness and funds for rare diseases. These rare diseases affect fewer than 200,000 Americans and consequently little attention is paid to them. As college football student-athletes, the organization believes it is in position to make a difference. This event is one way a small group of people can make a big impact on the lives of others.
Uplifting Athletes has worked diligently to accommodate the growing number of fans who attend this annual event with a new viewer-friendly set up for this year's Lift For Life. The members of the Football Team will be put through 11 grueling physical tasks such as bench press, leg press, and less conventional events such as the tire flip and the iron cross. This event will be a test of strength and endurance as well as mental toughness.
The event is open to the public with a suggested donation of $10 per person or $25 per family. Fans will have a chance to meet and get autographs from current and former members of the Penn State Football team. Holuba Hall is located directly across from the East Area Locker Room and adjacent to the Lasch Football Building. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m., with the event starting at 2:00 p.m. on July 11.
For more information about the Penn State Football Lift For Life, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit pennstate.upliftingathletes.org or contact Deloris Brobeck at 814-865-1946 during business hours. Uplifting Athletes, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates as a national charter and serves as a uniting force to help change the perception of rare diseases.
--NITTANY LIONS--