NEW HAVEN FOOTBALL COACH WINS AWARD, DONATES TO LFG

EASTON, PA – Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation received a surprise Christmas gift thanks to University of New Haven football coach Pete Rossomando, who was named the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year for Division II. With the award, Rossomando was given the opportunity to select charities to receive a donation in his name.

Rossomando called John and Marianne Loose, founders of Lauren’s First and Goal, and shared the news that LFG would receive $40,000. Board member Leo Govoni accepted the donation at the awards ceremony in Florida, on the foundation's behalf.

“This award is for everybody, not just the University of New Haven and it means a lot to me that it can make an impact with so many different people,” said Rossomando, who led the Chargers to their third straight Northeast-10 Conference championship and second consecutive playoff appearance.

“I know how difficult it is to raise healthy children, but to do it for a child with a disability - it’s got to be tough. John’s been a very close friend and I hope this can help make a difference for him and the foundation,” said Rossomando.

John Loose, defensive coordinator of the Lafayette College football team, said he has known Rossomando for years, and that he has always supported the foundation by sending his staff to volunteer at the annual high school football camp which will be held this year on Sunday, June 2 at Lafayette.

“It's a tremendous gesture for him to select Lauren's First and Goal with all of the great charities out there,” said Loose, whose 15-year-old daughter Lauren was diagnosed with pediatric brain tumors as a toddler.

“This is a terrific way to jump start our new year of fundraising efforts and will help us continue to support pediatric cancer research and patient services and families who are impacted by the disease,” Loose added.

The donation will be used like all others the foundation receives – to support pediatric brain tumor research and patient services, and to help support families living with a pediatric cancer diagnosis. LFG awarded $118,000 in these types of grants last year, and has awarded more than $1.1 million since 2004.

Learn more about the foundation and how it aids the fight against pediatric cancer by visiting www.LFGF.org.

Photo courtesy of New Haven Athletics