The Delta lacrosse community celebrated the start of the 2012 season in generous fashion, raising over $15,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society with its second annual Lax-4-Life charity game.
Members of the Delta Lacrosse Association (DLA) and surrounding areas, came to together to put on a memorable event that was highlighted by a 12-hour game - from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. - last Saturday at the Ladner Leisure Centre.
In the inaugural event, DLA members raised just short of a total of $15,000 and ultimately that was their goal again this year.
Volunteers began organizing their effort in January and with the generous support of local businesses and private donors, they were thrilled with the response. Last year's total has already been surpassed and when the final numbers are in, organizers believe it will be closer to $17,000 raised.
The game began with Tessa Vincent and Savannah Phillips singing the national anthem. Tim Winter and Patty Burr (in honor of their mother) then dropped the first ball. Participating in the opening face-off were Max Stalling and his mother Nancy.
What followed was 12 hours of fast paced box lacrosse action with Tyke members as young as seven being on the same floor with members of the Ladner Pioneers Senior "B" team.
Max Stalling raised the most money in 2011 and came through with a big total again this year with $1,630 - the fourth highest total. His efforts were outdone by Hayden Dance, ($1705), sisters Tessa and Natalee Vincent and Caitlin Schlaak ($2,000) and Ashley and Mitch Robinson who topped the list at $2040.
Lax 4 Life volunteers were once again happy to welcome Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington to the event. Not only did she witness some great action but also met some of the young players of the Delta Lacrosse family that are willing to give back to their community.
Organizers shared with her one great story of a young lacrosse player that, although he wasn't able participate in the game, he did come by to make a donation. He had 'charged' members of his family 25 cents when they walked by his bedroom door and then he brought those funds down to the arena.
Event organizers Angela Smith, Kelly Robinson and Angie Schwan, along with the support of their families, have already started to brain storm about next year's Lax-4-Life event and have also laid out a friendly challenge to the Campbell River Ravens Club to hold their own fund raiser game for the Canadian Cancer Society.
