Campers at the 12th annual Lauren's First and Goal camp gather for a group picture. (Photo courtesy of Michael V. Garner)

June 22, 2015

Knapp, Valdiserri volunteer at Lauren's First and Goal, help raise over $114,000

EASTON, PA – At the 12th anniversary of Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation’s football camp at Lafayette College on June 7, Juniata College was represented by two Eagles’ football coaches.

EASTON, PA – At the 12^th anniversary of Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation’s football camp at Lafayette College on June 7, Juniata College was represented by two Eagles’ football coaches.

Offensive coordinator Scott Knapp and wide receiver coach Julian Valdiserri joined nearly 400 college coaches at the Metzgar Athletics Complex.

Knapp has been attending the LFG camp for three years now.

“I think it’s just a really neat experience,” Knapp said. “It’s very powerful to see over 2,000 kids and almost 400 coaches show up to support such a great cause.”

It was the first time Valdiserri had attended the camp and he also noted how impressive the sheer number of supporters was.

“I couldn’t believe how big the camp was,” Valdiserri said. “I didn’t know what to expect going into it but it was pretty cool to see everyone there for one cause. It was a long day, but being able to coach and make an impact on the campers was worth it.”

The camp featured University of Michigan’s head coach Jim Harbaugh as the guest speaker. Over 2,000 student-athletes attended the event and a total of over $114,000 was raised. The proceeds support the foundation’s mission of funding pediatric brain tumor research and patient services and assisting families living with the disease.

Players will look up to their coaches for much more than help on the field. Knowing this, Knapp and Valdiserri hope their players take away the importance of giving back.

“I think it’s really about setting an example,” Knapp said. “We want them to develop into great young men that make a difference when they leave Juniata and show them that there are things much more important than playing football.”

Lauren’s First and Goal was founded in 2004 by the Loose family in honor of their daughter Lauren, a 17-year-old pediatric brain tumor survivor. Their story and passion for helping others has resulted in over $1.7 million being raised. Camps are operated entirely by volunteer work and bring in money through donations and camp registrations.