SC Gridiron Greats Lattimore, Dantzler to Highlight Local Fundraiser

Two former Palmetto State football stars will appear together in mid March to help raise funds for the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Greenville County, the organization announced.

Former USC running back and Upstate native Marcus Lattimore and Clemson quarterback Woodrow "Woody" Dantzler, a current Mauldin resident, are scheduled to appear jointly at the "True Grit Fundraiser" scheduled for March 16 at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 424 Westfield St., in Greenville. 

Lattimore will be guest speaker at the event, while Dantzler is billed as special guest.

In addition to appearing at the dinner, both athletes will participate in football camps at the Kroc Center that day before the dinner, which starts at 6:15 pm. 

Per person ticket prices for the fundraiser start at $85. However, the two athletes will be available for private meet-and-greets and photos. 

For $3,000, six guests can sit with Lattimore during the dinner and program, attend the private meet and greet with a photo opportunity, and receive six autographed full size footballs. For $1,500, six guests can sit with Dantzler during the dinner and program, attend the private meet and greet with a photo opportunity, and receive six autographed full size footballs, according to a report by GSA Business.

“It means a lot to me to be involved in such a great event, especially for such a great cause and with an outstanding organization like Boys and Girls Club,” Lattimore said in a news release. “Anytime I have the opportunity to inspire our youth and make a difference in someone's life, I do my best to embrace it."

“I decided to be involved with this event because God has given me so much and blessed me tremendously. To whom much is given, much is required,” Dantzler added.

Lattimore, coming off a season-ending knee injury in October against the Tennessee Volunteers, decided to skip his senior season and has entered the 2013 NFL draft. Despite a shortened career at USC, Lattimore ranks sixth in USC football history with 2,677 rushing yards, fourth in rushing attempts with 555, and third in points scored at 246. 

At Clemson in 2001, Dantzler became the first player in NCAA football history to pass for more than 2,000 yards and rush for more than 1,000 in a single season. He was inducted into the Clemson Football Hall of Fame in 2007. Dantzler holds 53 Clemson football records and later went on to play for the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons.  

For more, check out the event's Facebook page. 

To purchase tickets to the fundraiser, CLICK HERE.

All event proceeds will be donated to The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club.