IOWA CITY – In efforts to overreach their fundraising record last year, the Iowa Ladies Football Academy at the University of Iowa pledged $1 million toward the new UI Children’s Hospital.

According to a news release, the academy, a daylong women’s football summer camp,  is collaborating with the UI football program to help reach a five-year fundraising goal to aid in the construction of the 371,600 square-foot facility, said to feature “dedicated” operating rooms, procedure suites, pediatric clinical services, classrooms and an outdoor healing garden. A groundbreaking is scheduled for 2013 and completion is estimated to be in 2016, officials said.

“It is a collective effort all the way, from the coaches, players, planning committee, and volunteers, to the hundreds of women who will participate in this event,” Mary Ferentz, chair of the UI Children’s Hospital Council, said in the release.

Forrest Meyer, with the UI Foundation, cited the efforts as a “team-fundraising approach,” where each member must meet a $500 minimum donation, but also work towards expanding them with the help of friends, family, acquaintances and colleagues, he said.

At the inaugural academy in June 2011, nearly 300 campers raised more than $150,000, according to the release.  This year’s academy is  slated for June 9.

Registration and other information about the Iowa Ladies Football Academy can be found here.