Lift for Life

As I write this, Lift for Life is kicking off at Penn State. This fun charity event benefits kidney cancer research, and features members of the football team. As of the time this is being written, nearly $52,000 has been raised with much more expected during the auctions and events. Last year’s total was over $70,000.

Top fund raisers thus far:

• Penn State Uplifting Athletes — $20,954
• Mickey Shuler — $4,290
• Brett Brackett — $3,685
• Jeremy Boone — $3,065
• Ryan Gmerek — $2,910

From the press release:

Members of the 2009 Nittany Lion football squad are set to participate in the fun-to-watch Uplifting Athletes “Lift For Life” event scheduled for Friday, July 10, from 2:00 — 7:00 p.m. at Holuba Hall. Last year, more than 90 Penn State football players tested their strength and endurance in this 11 exercise competition that raised more than $70,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association.

Lift For Life is open to the public with a suggested donation of $5 per student or child and $10 per adult. Donations can also be made in advance and credited to your favorite player’s fund raising total by visiting www.upliftingathletes.org. Fans will have a chance to meet and get autographs from current and former members of the Penn State Football team. Exciting improvements to this year’s event include a “fun zone” with kids’ games, a silent auction and onsite credit card processing.

Uplifting Athletes events are organized by current football student-athletes. The Penn State Football chapter of Uplifting Athletes is run by members are on the Penn State football team including officers Brett Brackett, Jesse Alfreno, Patrick Mauti and Ryan Gmerek, as well as Brennan Coakley, Mike Farrell, Josh Matzkin and Matt Stankiewitch. More than $300,000 has been raised to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association in the first six years of the “Lift For Life” event. The group is looking to continue their success with this year’s edition. Other events hosted by the Penn State chapter include the intercollegiate College Football Video Game Challenge (vs. the Maryland Football Chapter of Uplifting Athletes), Blue and White Game carnival activities and a fall donor appreciation luncheon.

“Uplifting Athletes is a group of Penn State football players working together in an attempt to raise awareness and funds for rare diseases,” said Brackett, the Penn State chapter’s president. “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.”

Holuba Hall is located directly across from the East Area Locker Room and adjacent to the Lasch Football Building. Uplifting Athletes has worked hard to accommodate the growing number of fans who attend this annual event, including a more fan friendly set-up for “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.

Founded by Penn State Football teammates in 2003, “Lift For Life” continues to build awareness and raise funds for the Kidney Cancer Association. Uplifting Athletes is 501(c)3 national nonprofit organization that aligns college football with rare diseases and raises them as a national priority through outreach, research, education and advocacy. For more information about Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit www.upliftingathletes.org or contact Deloris Brobeck at 814-865-1946 during normal business hours.