"We are honored to have a chance to showcase our talent at a venue like PPL Park for a cause like this," Stony Brook coach Rick Sowell said. "I lost a cousin to lung cancer who was like a little sister to me last December, who never smoked a day in her life. This disease affects us all, so I am humbled to be a part of a chance to end it."
Jim Jennings, president of Waterbucket Media, a primary organizer of the event, is a cancer survivor who is in remission after undergoing treatments last June. The former head of the National Lacrosse League, Jennings noted that having a chance to give back through lacrosse was his vision.
"My cancer is now in remission, but I can't thank the American Cancer Society enough for being a support system to me and to my family," Jennings said. "To combine a great sport like lacrosse for such a noble cause, for me, is truly an honor."
The event will serve as a preview into how big-time college lacrosse will look next spring when PPL Park will host the NCAA men's quarterfinals. Beyond that, the region also will host the 2013 men's championships at Lincoln Financial Field.
"We are delighted to bring this event to PPL Park; this has been our vision since we built the place . . . not just to house soccer, but lacrosse as well," said Nick Sakiewicz, CEO and managing partner of the Union, which plays at PPL Park. "We promised we'd bring you more to Chester than just soccer and we are bringing it."
Local officials said that since fiscal year 2010, Chester has seen $1.3 billion in public and private investments, including improvements to the Wharf section and construction of PPL Park, both occupied by the Union.
"Good things are happening here in the city, and this building [PPL Park], has been a major part of that," Mayor Wendell Butler said.
Tickets for Fall Brawl are on sale now at Comcast Tix (800-298-4200) or the event website, www.fallbrawlforacure.com.
For additional information, call 610-330-9500. *
