Curtis Lofton has started the Tackle Challenge, which will help raise money for the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research
ATLANTA — Atlanta Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton launched the "Curtis Lofton 50 Tackle Challenge" at Dantanna's-CNN Center recently.
As part of the "Lofton Tackle Challenge," individuals are asked to pledge donations of 50 cents, $1.50, $5, $50 or any other amount of their choosing for each tackle Lofton makes in the 2010 NFL season. All proceeds raised will benefit the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research (Rally). Lofton has been a spokesperson for Rally since 2009.
"In high school, my basketball coach's daughter was diagnosed with cancer, so I saw first-hand the challenges childhood cancer patients face," said Lofton. "I tackle some of the toughest football players in the NFL, but that is nothing compared to what these kids tackle every day with cancer. I look forward to using my football skills to help Rally fund research so that, one day, we will find cures for all types of childhood cancers."
Last season, Lofton made 133 tackles. If you had pledged $1.50 a tackle last year, your total commitment would have been $199.50.
Atlanta residents Skip and Victoria Moore and family already have taken the "Lofton Tackle Challenge" and have pledged to give $150 per tackle Lofton makes this season. Several other families and companies also signed up for the challenge.
"We believe that Curtis' success can translate into a significant increase in the awareness of childhood cancer research and Rally," the Moores said. "We welcome others to join us in the 'Lofton Tackle Challenge' and Curtis' goal of tackling childhood cancer."
The "Lofton Tackle Challenge" launch event was open to the public and was intended to educate individuals about the program and the need for more childhood cancer research.
For every dollar Rally receives, 93 cents goes to support childhood cancer research. In just four years, Rally has awarded more than $1.6 million in childhood cancer research grants while supporting 45 projects in 32 hospitals nationwide.
To find out more about Rally and the "Lofton Tackle Challenge," visit www.RallyFoundation.org.
About Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research
Childhood cancer is the No. 1 disease killer of kids ages 0 to 15. Its research is under-funded by as much as $30 million each year. Rally, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, empowers volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures. Rally received the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence for meeting the highest organizational standards. Visit RallyFoundation.org for more information.
