Rams, ex-Michigan OT Long commits $1M to camp

DEXTER, Mich. (AP) — St. Louis Rams and former Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long has committed to giving $1 million to a camp for children facing serious and life-threatening illnesses.

Long's donation was announced at a fundraising event Saturday night.

Earlier in the week, Long said North Star Reach in Pinckney, Michigan, will get kids out of hospital beds and onto horses, canoes and zip-lines.

The nonprofit organization has raised about $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.

A group of hospitals in Michigan and Chicago have committed to referring children from the region and sending volunteers to provide medical care at the camp.