Camp Hope Heartland was voted the winner for more than $10,000 in charitable donations from the individual members of the 100+ People Who Care group in Barton County. The nonprofit summer camp made a presentation to the group during the 100+ People giving meeting on February 12 alongside two other worthy charities, the Great Bend Zoological Society and ElderCare Inc. After hearing a brief presentation from all three organizations, the members in attendance cast their anonymous ballots and Camp Hope Heartland was named the winner of the majority vote.
Established in 1982, Camp Hope is a program of Camp Hope-Heartland Inc. (www.camphopeheartland.com), whose mission is to support families living with, through and beyond the cancer experience. Camp Hope provides campers ages 5 to 17, who have had or currently have cancer, a traditional camp experience. Campers enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, archery, campfires, a dance, a talent show, fishing, hiking, miniature golf and bowling. Camp Hope is held at Camp Aldrich in Barton County, and is accredited by the American Camp Association, giving parents peace of mind that it meets the highest safety standards. A full medical staff on-site allows campers even on active treatment to attend. These 120 volunteers — including physicians, oncology nurses, ER nurses, pediatric nurses, pharmacists, and a mental health specialist — assist 60-80 campers each summer.
“The quarterly pledges of the 100+ People Who Care members will allow campers and volunteers to continue to attend for free,” said Gail Moeder, chairwoman for Camp Hope Heartland. “We are so thrilled to receive these gifts, and can’t tell you how much the campers look forward to this annual event. It’s the highlight of the year for many of them, and these gifts will help make that possible.”
The next giving meeting for the 100+ People Who Care group (www.100bartoncounty.org) will be held Tuesday, May 14, at 5:30 p.m., at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard. At that time, representatives from Camp Hope Heartland will return to provide an update on how the organization is utilizing the $10,000+ gift. Members will also vote to select and nominate local, charitable organizations to receive future funds.
Camp Hope Heartland and 100 People Who Care Barton County are also on Facebook.