If you or your family knows of a Community Outreach cause that you would like the BLA Community to get involved in, please do not hesitate to contact the BLA. We hope that all of our Community Members give back to those in need and who are less fortunate than ourselves.

The United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware in care of Colin Zwickert

In 2008 the BLA has adopted Colin Zwickert and his family as our charity with portions of the tournament and more being donated to the United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware in care of "Colin Zwickert". Colin is the son of former Wesley (Del.) College Head Coach Christian Zwickert who came during the 2007 summer with the Providence College Mini-Camp. Coach Zwickert was Coach Wright's Assistant Coach at Providence College. Colin's life story was a feature article in US Lacrosse Magazine's March 2008 issue. Colin was a fully healthy baby until his delivery in October 2006. During delivery, he became stuck and suffered a severe brain injury. He has since been diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, along with visual, hearing and swallowing difficulties. Colin was given his last rights on the day of his birth, however as Coach Zwickert states in the US Lacrosse article: "The positive throughout this is that Colin has proven all of the medical professionals wrong." The Zwickert family has held many fundraiser including Lacrosse for United Cerebral Palsy a tournament that raises money for camp scholarships for children and young adults with Cerebral Palsy. Please take a moment and see if your family has access to anything that can assist the Zwickerts, and consider making a donation.

Ride for Roswell

Each year the BLA donates both money and equipment (for a silent auction) to the "Robert's Lake Effect Team." Robert's Lake Effect Team hosts a fundraiser event in memory of David Pote (Coach Wright's Grandfather) and Robert Schwegler (Coach Wright's family friend lost to cancer at a young age). In 2010 this event was held a the Main-Transit Fire Hall and each year it helps raise over $10,000 for Roswell Park. Please contact the BLA if you would like to support this event as well!

The WNY Lacrosse for Kids Fund

The BLA is proud to support the WNY Lacrosse for Kids Fund. At various BLA events, awareness will be given and money will be raised to assist the Fund. Donation can be made at anytime to this group at Blue Bison Sports as well. The BLA would like to thank all of those who have worked tirelessly to begin and develop the WNY Lacrosse for Kids Fund. Started in the spring of 2006, the Western New York Lacrosse for Kids Fund is a growing financial fund that is intended to assist lacrosse players, coaches and referees that face serious illnesses, injuries or diseases. This fund is managed by a Board of Directors and is administered through the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo. The Board organizes events and encourages philanthropy for this fund as well as continues to educate the region on all aspects of lacrosse.

HEADstrong

The HEADstrong Foundation for blood cancer is committed to finding a cure for all blood cancers. The foundation is dedicated to its founder Nicholas Colleluori, a former lacrosse player who lost his battle with cancer. The foundation strives on Nick's quote, Making use of the time you have and don't stress the little things. Have a smile and enjoy what you can get out of life. The color palette that Nick chose was lime green representing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and royal blue and gold which represents his alma mater, Hofstra University; his lifeline during his illness. HEADstrong mission is to generate funds for cancer research, to distribute grants and assistance to survivors of blood cancer, to provide financial assistance to families who are experiencing the hardships of having a sick family member, and to provide scholarships and grants for students with ambitions of entering the medical field. Blood cancer holds a special place in the hearts of the BLA community as a former player and current coach overcame this disease and currently a BLA athlete works to overcome it. This year (2010) the BLA hopes to raise money and awareness by having the entire summer program (over 200 participants) wear the trademark lime green shoe laces.