Hello
everyone,
It was a sincere pleasure meeting you all
and listening to your wonderful and enriching
camp experiences dating back over half a century
ago. It was all truly amazing!!! Everyone
had a personal story of “success” to share
which was a true testament of the world class
camping program, developed and run under the
leadership of the Girls' Vacation Fund, Inc./Boys
Athletic League.
The foundation of this program is still in
existence and now serves needy children supported
under the not-for-profit organization, Homes
for the Homeless Summer Camps, Inc. As you
are all aware, significant needs exist for
the children, the living quarters and recreation
sites. After visiting the camp sites this
summer, and seeing first hand these needs,
especially talking with the children and hearing
their stories, I have made a personal commitment
do what I can to raise capital to aid in this
effort, and would like to encourage you all
to use your resources to do the same. Your
time, effort and generosity ensures that these
projects and programs remain strong and will
help empower struggling children with the
necessary tools to gain the confidence they
need to excel in this very competitive environment
we live in, and give them the ability to believe
they can elevate their hearts and minds to
make a difference wherever they go. Their
lives will be impacted forever….as were ours.
I would like to ask you to think about driving
this agenda full throttle with enthusiasm
and motivation – the two very contagious elements
that miracles are made of. Reach out to your
friends, family members, co-workers and employers
for donations. Check with your Human Resources
department to see if your company offers a
matching gift program. Most companies will
match contributions dollar-for-dollar. Larger
corporations will have their own foundations
that provide capital to not-for-profit organizations
within their respective communities. Set up
a giving can or cake sale at fairs run by
your local churches, schools, VFW’s, Lion’s
Clubs, Police and Fire Departments etc., a
letter writing or email campaign is a good
means as well. Get your neighborhood kids
and senior citizens involved. Instead of sending
our Holiday cards, donate the money you would
spend on cards and stamps and just send a
cheery e-mail to your friends and families
– it is real personal touch !
There are countless ways to raise capital
and have loads of fun doing it. It is our
turn to give back the good fortune we were
so blessed to have received to help these
children – our future leaders.
Please be sure to make any contributions
payable to: “Homes for the Homeless Summer
Camps, Inc.” so we can be sure the funds are
earmarked for the camps.
Their address is
Homes for the Homeless
Summer Camps, Inc.
36 Cooper Square, 6th Floor, New York,
NY 10003
Thank you all for taking the time to read
this note. If anyone has any fund raising
ideas to share please do so……. In the Spirit
of Camping……let's get busy !!!!!!
Alex
