The gridiron gang is getting their gear ready for the annual pre-season scrimmage.
After last year’s success in their first annual Football for a Cure the boys are suiting up again in pink and blue, Aug. 14.
‘The purpose is the same as last year,? said Varsity Football Head Coach Kurt Richardson, referring to the team giving back and representing community members and families touched by cancer.
Last year the Clarkston football program raised over $5,000 for the Karmanos Cancer Institute.
They plan to do more this year but it will go right back into the community – to McLaren Breast Cancer and the Great Lakes Cancer Institute, both in Independence Township.
‘We raised our hand and said we would love to be involved with Football for a Cure,? said Susan Yun, R.N. ‘The whole idea of celebrating and honoring people who are survivors or those who lost their fight – it’s just amazing.
‘We are a new cancer facility. It’s great visibility for us in the community. It’s also a great opportunity to team up with children, teenagers and parents in the community to say we are here.?
The funds are earmarked for patient services such as transportation, medical equipment or supplies, child care or financial support.
‘As we develop our cancer program we realize people need help sometimes with transportation, costs involved in care, education materials,? said Yun. ‘We have a whole lot of services and we want to be a community cancer center.?
The players will have names of cancer survivors or those who lost their battle on the back of their jersey.
‘The kids like it,? said Richardson. ‘It spices up the game a little bit. It means a lot to the coaches, too.?
The cost to purchase a jersey is $100, for the name plate is $50, and for $50 become an honorary “Coach of the Day.”Orders are due by Aug. 7.
Forms are available at McLaren Breast Cancer at Clarkston and Great Lakes Clarkston Institute, both at 5701 Bow Pointe Drive. T-shirts are available for $10 and pink and blue bracelets for $1.
Proceeds from the concession stand and helmet passing in the crowd also go to McClaren Breast Center and Great Lakes Cancer Institute. They will also have a booth with information and a free raffle for an iPod.
‘We are very grateful to Kurt Richardson, the football team, the athletic program, Dan Fife, the athletic director, for their willingness to raise money for the cancer center here in Clarkston,? said Yun.
The event begins at 7 p.m., Aug. 14 at the Clarkston High School stadium. Everyone is invited to come out and watch the Wolves prepare for their 2010 season.
‘It’s about families,? invited Richardson.