TCNJ article .pdf – The College of New Jersey – 2/18/2011

Lions volunteer time in Cupid’s Chase for charity

Ewing, NJ … A dozen players from The College of New Jersey football team rolled out of bed early on a Saturday morning to volunteer their time to assist in Cupid’s Chase, an event that raises money for people plagued by disabilities.

Cupid’s Chase is a national 5K Run that takes place in 24 cities, throughout 10 states, on the same day and at the same time. Members of the Lions football team jumped in their cars and drove down to Princeton, NJ to help set up for the race, cheer on participants, and break down and clean up once the event was complete. The players, such as sophomore linebacker Greg Burns, were recruited by the mother of sophomore wide receiver Luis Garcia (Burlington, NJ/Burlington Township).

“I’m really glad we did it, because we actually had a lot of fun,” said Burns, a Second Team All-NJAC performer in 2010. “Rather than sleeping until noon on a Saturday, we got up and participated in a really nice event that raises money for people in need.”

The list of tasks for volunteers varied from putting up tents, to carrying cases of water, to crowd control and security, to venue clean-up. The Lions’ contingency also played the role of cheerleader from time to time, rooting on runners that ranged from young teens to competitors in their 70s.

The race started at the Princeton Shopping Center on North Harrison Street. The slogan for the event that is scheduled for the final Saturday before Valentine’s Day is, “Run with your heart this Valentine’s Day while supporting people with disabilities.”

First Lady of New Jersey, Mary Pat Christie, also attended the event and served as the National Honorary Chair of the 2011 Cupid’s Chase 5K Run.