The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation is preparing for its 12th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic, a dinner and auction at the Ponte Vedra Inn on Sunday, May 6th and a Celebrity Golf Tournament at Marsh Landing Country Club on Monday, May 7th.  It is the non-profit organization’s largest annual fundraiser.  This year, in addition to those activities, the foundation has added another weekend event, participation in “Lemonade 4 Life” on Saturday, May 5th.   “Lemonade 4 Life” is a one-day lemonade stand that will be held at over 25 Jacksonville area Publix locations and staffed by the members of YMCA Adventure Princesses program (young girls).  Donations will be collected and proceeds will be divided between the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, which provides emotional and financial assistance to families impacted by childhood cancer, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a national organization that raises funds for pediatric cancer research.

“Lemonade 4 Life” is the brainchild of Lina Rak, who was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma pediatric cancer seven years ago.  Today, she is a five-year survivor.  Lina’s goal is to inspire families with similar experiences and to raise money to support them during their challenging times.  Tom Coughlin and Lina Rak will visit several “Lemonade 4 Life” stands on Saturday to help serve lemonade and thank those participating.  With 25 lemonade stands, the Adventure Princesses and Lina have set a fundraising goal of $75,000 to help children with cancer.

“Spending time with Lina Rak raising awareness and funds for children with cancer is a great way for me to kick off the weekend,” says Coughlin, president of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund and head coach of the New York Football Giants.  “These children are very close to my heart and I strive to help make a difference for them.”

Following Saturday’s fundraising activity, the Jay Fund switches gears for one of the First Coast’s premier golf fundraising events.  Coughlin will host more than 30 exciting celebrity guests at the affair.  The group is highlighted by football personalities Bill Parcells, Jon Gruden, Eli Manning, Sterling Sharpe, Mark Brunell, and Steve Spurrier.

Tom Coughlin started the Jay Fund in 1996.  The foundation is named in honor of Jay McGillis.  Jay was a special young man who played football for Coughlin at Boston College.  Through exceptional adversity and ultimate tragedy brought about by his fatal illness, Jay and his family set an example of courage and dignity that would forever leave its mark on all those who knew him.  The mission of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation is to assist children with leukemia and other cancers and their families by providing emotional and financial support to help reduce the stress associated with treatment and improve their quality of life.

The Celebrity Golf Classic is completely sold out but “Lemonade 4 Life” is open to the public and the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund encourages the Jacksonville area community to come out and support the campaign and the girls responsible for it.

Tom Coughlin and Lina Rak will visit the “Lemonade 4 Life” stand at the St. Johns Creek Publix (2845 County Rd. 210W) from 10:30 to 11 am and will then proceed to the following stores:
Julington Village Store (450 State Rd. 13)
Mandarin Oaks Publix (11306 San Jose Blvd.)
Publix Supermarket (10500 San Jose Blvd.- just north of 295)
Old St. Augustine Plaza Store (11250 St. Augustine Rd.)
Deerwood Village Store (9964 Old Baymeadows Rd.)

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