University Park, Pa. — Despite sweltering conditions in Holuba Hall, the eighth annual Penn State Uplifting Athletes "Lift For Life" was a huge success drawing more than 3,000 fans and raising a record total of $98,461.35 to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association.
The record total was nearly $16,000 more than was raised last year and a far cry from the $13,000 raised in the events first year in 2003. Thanks to generous sponsors, fans and the participating Nittany Lion football players, "Lift For Life" has now raised an eight-year total of nearly $500,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association.
In heat and humidity that made this year's competition one of the most taxing in the event's history, the team of OH Jersey claimed first place behind the efforts of wide receiver Brett Brackett, defensive end Jack Crawford, linebackers Gerald Hodges and Michael Zordich. The team of We Pay To Play comprised of running back Derek Day, cornerback Evan Lewis, defensive end Brian Irvin and safety Kyle Johnson was second while team Shutter Island: Ward C made up of tackle Mike Farrell, cornerback Andrew Goodman, defensive end Pete Massaro and linebacker Mike Yancich was third.
The 2010 Uplifting Athletes officers include Brackett (Lawrenceville, N.J.) as president and newcomers Farrell (Pittsburgh), Ty Howle (Wake Forest, N.C) and Yancich (Washington) taking over as vice president, head of operations and secretary, respectively. A chapter record 22 additional Nittany Lions devoted their time and effort to making the 2010 Lift for Life the best to date. More than 80 Nittany Lion football student-athletes tested their strength and endurance in the 11-event strength and conditioning challenge and then greeted fans and signed autographs for those in attendance. Founded by Penn State Football teammates in 2003, Lift For Life has continued to build awareness and raise funds for the Kidney Cancer Association. The event is organized by Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes SM, whose members are on the Penn State football team, led by Brackett, president of the chapter.
"Uplifting Athletes SM is a group of Penn State football players working together in an attempt to raise awareness and funds for rare diseases," said Brackett, who will be a senior wide receiver this fall. "These rare diseases affect fewer than 200,000 Americans and consequently little attention is paid to them. As college football student-athletes, we believe we are in a position to make a difference. Lift for Life is one way a small group of people can make a big impact on the lives of others."
For more information about Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes SM or the Penn State Football Lift for Life, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, visit http://www.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.