Rockville Centre lacrosse fundraiser raises money to fight cancer

Long Islanders paid a visit to Rockville Centre last Saturday to take shots at the lacrosse goal and raise money in the process.

Residents and out-of-towners of all ages showed up for what was dubbed “the Challenge,” a 12-hour shooting barrage to garner funds in memory of former Hofstra lacrosse player Nicholas Colleluori, founder of the Headstrong Foundation, who died of cancer in 2006. Participants, including members of South Side High School’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team, Adelphi University’s lacrosse team and local youngsters, bought buckets of balls to shoot at nets as part of the fundraiser, held at the Rockville Centre Sports Complex.

The goal of the event was to raise $27,000, which would enable the Rockville Centre Lacrosse Club to fund a room at Nick’s House, a guest house that provides free lodging for out-of-town patients and their families who are undergoing cancer-related treatment in the Philadelphia area. Nick’s House is designed to meet the unique needs of patients, along with their families and caregivers.

“We are still going through all the donations from yesterday but based on the turnout it is going to be a great success,” the Rockville Centre Lacrosse Club posted on its Facebook page on Sunday. More than $16,700 had been raised at that point, according to the event website.