Berry College’s men’s lacrosse team recently hosted the inaugural “Faceoff For a Cause” at Valhalla. The event raised $6,625.04 for the nonprofit organization Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The amount raised was just shy of the lofty goal of $10,000, but a success nonetheless considering it was the first year. Berry College men’s lacrosse has already announced they will be hosting the event again in the Fall of 2016, and hope to exceed this year’s amount.

“It really was a terrific day of lacrosse and charity,” said Berry College Lacrosse Head Coach Curtis Gilbert. “It is the least we can do to show our gratitude for the men and women of this country that provide us the freedom to live our everyday lives. It’s our responsibility to take care of them when they return, and what a better way to raise funds and awareness than by playing the game we love.”

Joining in the day of Lacrosse and Charity were the men’s lacrosse programs from Emmanuel College, North Greenville University, Reinhardt University, Shorter University, and Young-Harris College.  Along with host Berry College, they helped raise money and awareness for our nation’s injured servicemen and women.

The event included scrimmages between the six teams and a mid-day Wounded Warrior address. More than 500 people attended the event with all gate proceeds donated to WWP. These gate proceeds, coupled with the online donations totaled $1,872.86. Additional funds were raised by the respective Lacrosse programs through t-shirt sales and accounted for an additional donation of $2,425. Additionally, Aramark Dining Services graciously fed all Student-Athletes in attendance in the Berry College Dining Hall for free.

Lastly, the officials for the day’s event donated their appearance fees to WWP with a total donation of $2,327.18.

“The amount donated on behalf of our officiating crew was incredible, and accounted for almost a third of the total amount raised,” said Gilbert. “We could not have had the success we did without their support, and I would like to thank them for all their work in making it a wonderful event.”

(Coosa Valley News)