New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins announced today that he will donate a minimum of $500,000 over the next three years to fund the renovation of the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation. The donation, through the “KC for Kids” Fund of the Kerry Collins Foundation, will completely restore the 32 bed Pediatric In-Patient Unit within the NYU Hospital. Collins will reach this goal through two primary initiatives:

Collins will donate $5,000 for each of his passing or rushing touchdowns and $5,000 for each Giants victory. Corporations and individuals will be invited to participate in this initiative as well.

In spring 2003, Collins will host the first ever Kerry Collins Celebrity Bowl-O-Rama, a fundraiser featuring many of Collins’ teammates and colleagues from the NFL, as well as other celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment.

“I met the children and staff at Rusk when I first came to the Giants and since that meeting, they’ve inspired me,” Collins said. “By refurbishing all of the hospital rooms in the Pediatric In-Patient Unit, we will make the children and parents as comfortable as possible while they begin their road to recovery.”

In 2000, Collins donated $100,000 to the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation, which was used to establish the Kerry M. Collins Computer Center and Classroom. This room, outfitted with specially modified equipment, allows children to work on computers and receive personalized instruction. “From the first time he walked into Rusk, Kerry formed a special bond with the children” said Dr. Matthew Lee, Medical Director at Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation. “His continued support means a great deal to the entire Rusk family.”

This donation will bring the total amount donated by Collins, since his arrival in New York, close to the $1 million mark. Other recipients of Collins’ donations are Big Brothers/Big Sisters of New York and New Jersey, the Harlem Boys Choir, the Ladder 5/Engine 24 Family Relief Fund and families that were victims of the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center.

For more information on the Kerry Collins Foundation, please contact Jamey Crimmins at (908) 668-8635 or log onto Kerry Collins Foundation, which will be launched on November 1, 2002.
Nov. 1, 2002