6/5/14 - A Livingston County camp that helps children through serious illnesses will be the beneficiary of a party being held this weekend by an NFL star. St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Jake Long and his wife, Jackie, are hosting a sold-out fundraising event for about 350 people Saturday night to benefit North Star Reach in Pinckney. Former Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland, former Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr and U of M standout Charles Woodson are expected to attend, along with Rams quarterback Sam Bradford. When he played college football for the Wolverines, Long says he was exposed to children facing serious challenges during hospital visits. He like the fact that North Star Reach will get kids out of hospital beds and onto horses, canoes and zip-lines. North Star Reach CEO Doug Armstrong said that the nonprofit organization has raised $20 million of the $26 million-plus needed to open the camp next year, giving referred children a free week of camp. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for July. The University of Michigan has reached an agreement with North Star Reach to lease the land for $1 a year instead of selling the decaying summer camp. (JK)
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