SYRACUSE, NY -- Syracuse University men’s lacrosse coach John Desko has teamed up with Camp Fire Boys and Girls to make every goal count for area children during the 2001 lacrosse season.

The Give A Kid A Goal program will raise money that is needed to support ongoing Camp Fire programs for the more than 3,000 children in the Syracuse community that the programs serve. Camp Fire Boys and Girls has been serving the Syracuse area since 1925, with programs that focus on helping area children become caring, confident youth and future leaders. The programs include, but are not limited to, club activities, day and resident camping, self-reliance courses and youth leadership programs.

“Camp Fire Boys and Girls has proven to make a difference in a child’s life based on current local outcome data,” said Sue Dodge, executive director for Camp Fire Boys and Girls of CNY. “This collaboration with the Syracuse men’s lacrosse team will assist us in getting the message out to a broader population.”

Before the 2001 Syracuse men’s lacrosse season and home opener on Friday, February 23 against Colgate, individuals, as well as corporate sponsors, are asked to pledge a specified amount for each goal the Orangemen score during the 2001 season, including the NCAA Tournament. During the last six years, the Orangemen have averaged 222 goals per season, and last year earned the national-championship title.

“This is an opportunity for lacrosse and non-lacrosse fans alike to help support an organization that has served this community for decades,” said Desko. “We hope that some of our success on the field will carry over into making a positive impact on the lives of this area’s youth.”

Give A Kid A Goal is supported by the following local sponsors: AT&T, Deluxe Corporation, Keene Communications and Time Warner Cable.

To make a pledge or donation, or for further information on Give A Kid A Goal, contact Camp Fire Boys and Girls of CNY at (315) 463-8799.

Camp Fire is a national youth organization with headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri since 1910, serving school-age children in a variety of programs. For more information on Camp Fire and the programs they offer, visit their web site: http://community.syracuse.com/cc/campfire.