The first Sunday in June, Lauren says its her favorite day of the year! I, along with my husband John were so happy to spend the day volunteering and helping out at the 13th annual Lauren’s First and Goal football camp in Pennsylvania. I first heard about the camp when he was an attendee back in high school playing football, wanting to go to this one day instructional clinic. It was not until I was in college at Franklin & Marshall College where he and I would both volunteer at the camp. Obviously, my expertise was not in football, but I happily volunteered to take photographs for the organization!!

The organization raises money for pediatric brain tumor research and cancer services. I am always in awe of the work that goes into such an event and this time was no different. The money raised this year from the campers and donations set a new record of over $120,000. The best part of the day is getting to see and talk to Lauren Loose the pediatric cancer survivor who the camp is named for, and see her interact with different people throughout the day. The biggest, and toughest looking coaches and players lit up instantly when they talked to her. Included this year with over 300 college coaches who instructed players in all positions was guest speaker James Franklin, Head Football Coach at Penn State. Although the weather was cloudy, and a storm was in the forecast for the afternoon Coach Franklin and Lauren gave great motivational speeches that left campers, volunteers, and parents who were watching wanting to succeed in life and not only be known as a great student athletes but as an outstanding representation of the town, family, and community they come from.

To learn more about Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation or to donate visit their website here or visit them on their  Facebook to follow their story!

Even better, love to shop Amazon? Shop from http://www.Smile.Amazon.com and choose Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation as your charity and you can donate to this great organization at no cost to you!!

With over 1,800 campers in attendance with parents, and teams this year I couldn’t even fit them into one photo on the field!