Creek Speak. Our Home Away From Home...pages 6 and 7. Fall Look inside for...

Transcription

1 Creek Speak Fall 2011 Look inside for... A Message from our CEO...2 Welcome!...3 The Spirit of Healing...4 Remembering Betty Turner Campbell Home Away from Home Summer Fun and Fundraising Happenings Around Camp...9 A Very Special Thanks...10 The Schwarzkopf Society Making a Gift for the Future Healthcare Partnerships...12 Hope and Healing The Sloan Family: Hanna and Jake Heidi and Bobby Sloan, along with their son Jake, welcomed a healthy baby girl, Hanna, into their family in The happiness of Hanna s birth was soon overshadowed with concern when, at only nine days old, she became very ill. Over the course of the next two years the Sloans would endure numerous visits to the pediatrician to determine why she had chronic high fevers and ear infections. Ultimately, Hanna was referred to All Children s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida and tested for rheumatic disease. The diagnosis was Systemic JRA, a disease that affects multiple parts of the body and causes swelling, pain, and limited motion in joints. The Sloans began treatment immediately for Hanna. However, a few years later concern was raised again when Jake, Hanna s brother, told his parents his heart hurt. The Sloans made Heidi, Hanna, and Jake Sloan checking in for summer camp another fateful trip to All Children s Hospital and tests confirmed that Jake also had Systemic JRA. This is almost unheard of and though rheumatic diseases affect about 50,000 children in the United States there are only about 250 siblings diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Sloan family went into high gear to learn more about coping with two children with JRA. Heidi remembered a friend of Hanna s sharing information about a place called (continued on page 10) Our Home Away From Home...pages 6 and 7

2 Mission Statement The mission of Camp Boggy Creek is to enrich the lives of children who have chronic or life-threatening illnesses by creating camping experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe, and medically sound. Board of Directors Founders Paul Newman* General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Mrs. Gracia B. Andersen* Lawrence J.* and Florence A. De George Theodore J. Forstmann Juanita* and F. Browne Gregg David and Francie Horvitz Jim* and Jan Moran The Family of Jennifer Masi Bruce O. Rossmeyer* Elizabeth Turner Campbell* Foundation * In memoriam Offi cers J. Patterson Cooper Chairman of the Board June Clark President/CEO G. Thomas Ball Secretary/Counsel Michelle (Shelly) Church Treasurer Debra Gerhard Assistant Secretary Directors John L. Brewerton, III Esq. J. Powell Brown Lawrence F. De George Hugh Durden Wendy Durden Jim Ellis Myra Hancock Diane Holm Kimberly Johnson Brian Lee Lucia Lopez Nicholas Masi, Ph.D. Wendy Masi, Ph.D. Dave Pickens Dennis Quinn Sandra Randolph Thomas P. Warlow, III Larry Williams Printing generously donated by Convergys, Inc. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING , WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THE BOGGY CREEK GANG, INC. S REGISTRATION NUMBER IS CH991. A Message from Our CEO Our summer camp sessions were once again filled with laughter as seriously ill children from all across the state of Florida entered our gates to find their Home Away From Home. Summer 2011 has come and gone but the friendships forged and the memories of Boggy Creek will last a life time for many of these youngsters. As you review the following pages, please look closely at pages six and seven to get a glimpse of the fun and adventure experienced by over 1,100 children this past summer, all while their medical needs were met by our medical team and outstanding volunteer doctors and nurses. After summer camp, parents often share with us how Boggy Creek made a difference in their child s life and I want to pass on some recent feedback. When you have a child with special medical needs, you learn to live in the doctor s office and hospital. You live with people staring. Enter the gates to Boggy Creek and that world is left behind. Boggy Creek is our kids chance to only be a kid. Jodi, camper mom My daughter loves this place. She finally learned how to give herself shots, which is a giant stride to her independence. Thank you Boggy Creek for helping me show her that she has a disease but it doesn t define who she is today or who she will be tomorrow. Charlene, camper mom As you read these testimonials, I hope you sense the joy brought not only to our campers but to their entire family. It is only with the commitment of our many supporters and loyal friends that we can be certain that this opportunity will exist for many summers to come. Thank you and I hope we can count on your continued support! June Clark Camp Boggy Creek Welcomes New Chief Development Officer Catherine McManus joined the Camp Boggy Creek Development team this summer as Chief Development Officer. Previously serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer at WMFE TV/FM in Orlando, Catherine brings over 15 years of fundraising experience. She graduated from Austin Peay State University (TN) with a Bachelor s Degree in Public Administration. A fourth generation Floridian, Catherine and her husband, Sean, currently reside in Oviedo with their 11 year old daughter. Catherine will oversee the Development department and spearhead all fundraising initiatives. June Clark, CEO, shared, It s an exciting time at Camp Boggy Creek and we re thrilled to have Catherine join our senior leadership team. Her experience and background will certainly be an asset as she leads our fundraising operations.

3 Welcome! On February 9, 2011 Boggy Creek broke ground for the Camp s newest addition, the Welcome Center. The 14,000 square foot facility will accommodate staff from administration, finance and development, and serve as the entry point to welcome our guests visiting the Camp. Funding for the project was generously provided by The Martin Andersen- Gracia Andersen Foundation, the Lawrence J. and Florence A. De George Charitable Trust, and a capital gift from Board members Hugh and Wendy Durden. Please join us in recognizing the following companies for their contribution in helping plan and build Camp Boggy Creek s newest addition: Camp Boggy Creek Board of Directors (L to R) Wendy Durden, Tom Warlow, Pat Cooper, June Clark, Sandra Randolph, Jim Ellis, Hugh Durden, and Diane Holm ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Barnes, Ferland, and Associates, Inc. Commericial Design Services, Inc. Dyer, Riddle, Mills and Precourt, Inc. Energy Air, Inc. JCR Consulting Lindemann Bentzon Bojack Construction began March 2011 R.D. Michaels, Co. Alex Piper, PE White s Site Development Don Wilson, PE Construction as of July 2011 Rendering of the Camp Boggy Creek Welcome Center expected to be completed Fall

4 The Spirit of Healing: Dr. Steve Goodman Since Camp Boggy Creek opened in 1996, Dr. Steve Goodman has volunteered each year for the Rheumatic Arthritis summer sessions. Dr. Steve is one of only a few Pediatric and Adult Rheumatology Specialists in the State of Florida. His time at Boggy Creek is a treasure for him and Camp Boggy Creek. One of Dr. Steve s favorite activities is Silly Olympics. It allows my patients an opportunity to get back at me a little, he laughs, but, I m not always sure who is having more fun! As a clinician, however, Silly Olympics and all the other activities allow Dr. Steve to witness firsthand how his patients are really functioning. I don t get to see how the kids play during their office visits and seeing them at Camp is very insightful for me and how I treat them. A different dynamic! The first change that Dr. Steve notices is the children are laughing and singing as opposed to doing business as usual during an office visit. The best part of Camp for Dr. Steve is being able to see each child s personality shine. They re not thinking about having blood drawn or shots or other things. It s really kids just being kids! Angels among us Dr. Steve is very quick to share his admiration for all the volunteer nurses and doctors as well as staff. They are all angels! Their ability to tune into what a child s needs are and do their best to meet those needs in a healthy and safe manner is pretty amazing, he states. Another reward that Dr. Steve enjoys is seeing his former patients serving as counselors at Camp. It s a reaffirmation of what Camp Boggy Creek has meant to them growing up and what a special part it is in their life as adults, he shares. Dr. Steve sums up his time at Camp this way I make a living with my adult rheumatic patients, but I have fun with my kids. Pinky promises are never broken between Dr. Steve and his campers A quick check-up in the Patch, Boggy Creek s medical facility Each year, over 200 doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals contribute thousands of hours to create a Home Away From Home for Florida s most seriously ill children. If you are interested in volunteering with Camp Boggy Creek please visit 4 Dr. Steve volunteers during self-infusion classes for Boggy Creek s campers with hemophilia

5 Remembering Betty Turner Campbell Earlier this year, one of Camp Boggy Creek s Founders and good friend, Elizabeth (Betty) Turner Campbell, passed away. Betty Campbell was well-known as a formidable businesswoman and a generous philanthropist. Her dedication for helping others, however, came from her own personal experience of losing her son to cancer. A dedicated NASCAR fan, Betty Campbell learned about Camp Boggy Creek after watching a race almost a decade ago. After some research, she immediately scheduled a tour and committed over a million dollars to support the children of Camp Boggy Creek. Because of her own personal experiences, she recognized the importance of providing normalcy not only to children with lifethreatening illnesses, but also for their families. Her passion and commitment lead her to open a new camp for seriously ill children in her home State of Kentucky. Betty Campbell will be fondly remembered at Camp Boggy Creek for her love of life and her commitment to helping our most vulnerable children and families. Camp Boggy Creek Founders General H. Norman Schwarzkopf and Betty Campbell during a visit to Camp in 2007 Our Founding Hospitals When the dream of Camp Boggy Creek became a reality, our Founding Hospitals pledged their support and continue to provide resources to help enrich the lives of seriously ill children and family members. These philanthropic pioneers realized the importance of having recreational activities that are not only memorable, exciting, and fun, but also empowering, physically safe, and medically sound. Their contributions include sponsoring campers, donating medical supplies and equipment, and helping recruit volunteer doctors and nurses for summer sessions and family retreat programs. Thanks to our Founding Hospitals for bringing the magic to our campers Founding Hospitals 5

6 Home Away From Home... Over 1,100 of Florida s most seriously ill children attended Camp this summer. For many, it was the first time at their Home Away From Home; for others, it was coming home to a familiar place where spirits soar! It isn t always easy for campers or their families to share how they feel about Camp Boggy Creek, but the following posts from Camp Boggy Creek s Facebook page sum it up pretty well: I have always been so different from everyone else since I started having seizures. I feel like I have a home now where I am comfortable and feel normal. It has been a long time since I felt like that. Thank you. Angie, camper To explain what happens at Boggy Creek is impossible! It has a magic that fills the air that words can never explain. Camp Boggy Creek thank you for a week I will NEVER forget! My dream when I grow up is to give back and volunteer as a camp counselor for Camp Boggy Creek. Ronnie, camper Please help Camp Boggy Creek continue providing a Home Away From Home. Make your gift today and change the life of a seriously ill child. Please visit Summer

7 Camp Camp Home Sweet Home Volunteers Needed! If you are 19 years of age or older and want to make a difference in the life of a child with a serious illness, please consider volunteering at Camp Boggy Creek. I went to camp expecting to change someone s life, never expecting in the process that mine would be changed as well. Susan, Miami The work at Boggy Creek is nothing short of a miraculous gift that involves and captures the souls of all who are fortunate enough to experience it. John, Orlando Join us for the time of your life. Become a part of the Camp Boggy Creek magic by applying to be a volunteer. For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 866-Go-Boggy ( ) or volunteer@boggycreek.org. Print a volunteer application at Needs List 8 oz paper cups Bath towels Colored duct tape Antibiotic ointment Cases of white and color copy paper Gift cards from CVS, Walgreen s Office Depot, Office Max, Wal-Mart or Target Motorola Radius CP200 radios and batteries 7

8 Fun and Fundraising Thanks to everyone around the state who help organize amazing gatherings to raise funds for Camp Boggy Creek. We re fortunate to have anglers, horse riders, golfers, poker players, dancers, motorcycle riders, runners, bicyclists and others who are dedicated to raising money to sponsor a child to attend Camp Boggy Creek. Below are a few groups who have helped in 2011: Boggy Creek 28 David Maus Foundation Give Hope Foundation David Reutimann Foundation HFTP Mid-Florida Chapter World Sailfish Tournament Many thanks to Diane Holm, Camp Boggy Creek Board member, for hosting Love, Laughter, and Hope a wine tasting and camper art show at The Fresh Market. The event was a huge success and raised over $30,000. Thanks to all our our generous supporters who fundraise for Boggy Creek to ensure our campers have a fun camping experience Martha Sugalski s Camp Boggy Creek Challenge Ride On Saturday, September 10, 2011 Camp Boggy Creek, along with Team Hole in the Wall, kicked off our first annual Challenge Ride. Bicyclists from around Florida raised money for the campers as they took to the roads of beautiful Lake County. Cyclists enjoyed a 40 or 60 mile route or a short ride into the Seminole State forest. We raised more than $100,000 in support of Camp Boggy Creek. Thank you to our sponsors! Join us on Sunday, October 9, 2011 for the 17 th Annual Bruce Rossmeyer Ride for Children. As we are celebrating Peace, Love, and Happiness, get out your hippie threads and please help the campers by registering today for a VIP or regular rider package. VIP riders enjoy a themed pre-ride party Saturday night corporate tables are also available for this event. Remember, your registration fee goes directly to Camp Boggy Creek to help seriously ill children. Please visit for more information. Thanks to our sponsors: JM Family Enterprises, Daytona Harley Davidson, Hamlin & Associates, Outback Steakhouse, White s Site Development, Adworks Agency, and Official Gear Promotions. Sponsors as of August 8, 2011 For more information on these and other events, please visit our website at 8

9 It s a Party...A Work Party, That Is! Day of Remembrance Before campers arrived Please mark your calendar for summer fun, over 100 for the 3 rd Annual Day volunteers from electric of Remembrance at cooperatives across the Camp Boggy Creek on nation volunteered to help Wednesday, October the Camp lower its power 26. This special event costs. The one-day work recognizes friends and party was coordinated by supporters who have Sumter Electric Cooperative (SECO) and sponsored made tribute gifts to Camp Boggy Creek in memory of by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association someone special in their life. The Remembrance Reading The loyal support and generosity of countless corporations and foundations enable Camp Boggy Creek to serve seriously ill (NRECA) and Touchstone Energy. Volunteers replaced of Names will begin at 12 p.m. For more information, children. The following recognizes our friends who have contributed between $500 and $9,999 from 1/1/09 to 7/31/09. the camp pool s propane heating system with a new solar system. They also made cabins more energy efficient by repairing ducts, caulking seams and installing weather stripping. please contact Sharon at 866-Go-Boggy ( ), ext. 634 or scouture@boggycreek.org. Go Check out our new site, sign up for our e-news and like us on Facebook. Over 100 generous volunteers making a difference in the life of a child with a serious illness Ways to Get Involved... Do you know a child who would like to come to camp? Interested in volunteering? Would you like to make a financial contribution? If so, please call toll free 866-Go-Boggy ( ) or visit our website at Programs Department, ext. 231 Volunteer Recruitment, ext. 293 Camper Recruitment, ext. 252 Medical Department, ext. 270 Development/Fundraising, ext

10 A Very Special Thanks The loyal support and generosity of countless corporations, foundations, and clubs enable Camp Boggy Creek to serve seriously ill children. The following list recognizes our friends who have contributed financially and/or in-kind budget reducing donations between $1,000 and $9,999 from 1/1/11 to 7/31/11. Anonymous American Legion Auxiliary #53 American Legion Riders Post 275 The Martin Andersen-Gracia Andersen Foundation, Inc. Association of HITW Camps, Inc. C. Warren Barry Foundation Baumgarten Family Philanthropic Fund A. H. Burnett Foundation Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, Inc. Carnival Cruiseline Foundation Children s Cancer Research Fund Coca-Cola Enterprises Bottling Companies - Florida Division Convergys Corporation Covelli Enterprises, Inc. CTI Resource Management Services The Michael & Teresa Davis Charitable Fund Daytona Beach HOG Chapter Deland Rotary Club Rod Dierking Memorial Fund Doran Enterprises Employees Community Fund of Boeing Florida Entertainment Industry Foundation Finish Line Youth Foundation FIS Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring, Inc. Fraternal Order of Eagles Port Orange Aerie 4089 GRAND-AM Road Racing Harper Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. Hudson Family Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward International Society of Palm Beach, Inc. The Janus Foundation K3 Enterprises, Inc. Knights of Columbus Council #5644 Lady Lake Area Foundation, Inc. Rotary Club Lanzillotti Family Foundation Marquis George MacDonald Foundation, Inc. Ronald McDonald House Menard Charitable Lead Annuity Trust Fred and Helen Monar Charitable Trust Naples Sports Foundation Inc. The NASCAR Foundation Nurse On Call Progress Energy Quarles & Brady LLP Roselyn Meyer Family Foundation Inc. Roush & Yates Racing Engines, LLC The Gertrude E. Skelly Charitable Foundation Software Resources, Inc. Swansen Foundation Trademark Metals Recycling LLC The Travelers Companies, Inc. Ullman Family Partnership, LP The Villages NASCAR Fan Club Waterman Village The Weiss Family Foundation White s Site Development, Inc. Winn-Dixie Stores Foundation Women of Trinity The J. A. & H. G. Woodruff, Jr. Charitable Trust Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Inc. (continued from page 1) Hope and Healing Camp Boggy Creek. As fate would have it, her friend was the granddaughter of Camp Founder, Bruce Rossmeyer, and it wasn t long before Hanna s parents met Randy, Bruce s daughter, who affectionately shared her father s passion and commitment for Boggy Creek. The Sloans knew immediately that there was hope for their family. In 2010 the Sloan family attended their first Family Retreat at Camp Boggy Creek. They quickly discovered a network of families, who not only empathized with their medical challenges, but who would also help their family heal. This summer, Hanna and Jake attended their first summer camp at Camp Boggy Creek and discovered a Home Away From Home where they were safe, respected, and loved. This was the first time the children have been apart from their parents and Heidi recalls that there were tears, but they were tears of joy. She shared that Camp Boggy Creek provided hope to their family and others like them. It is the Sloan s hope that all children suffering from JRA could one day experience the Boggy Magic at Camp Boggy Creek. To learn how you can help a child suffering from a chronic or life-threatening illness experience Camp Boggy Creek please visit Hanna and Jake enjoy all the activities at Camp while making lifelong friendships 10

11 Recognizing the 2010 Schwarzkopf Society Members On Saturday, April 2, 2011, Schwarzkopf Society members were welcomed for our annual luncheon at Camp. Guests played mini-golf, had fun with campers, and were treated to a special production in the Boggy Creek Theater. Many thanks to Olive Garden for sponsoring the luncheon. It is an honor to recognize the 92 Schwarzkopf Society members who contributed more than $3 million to Camp Boggy Creek in Thank you for making the magic of Boggy Creek possible for each and every one of our campers! (L to R): Seeman Zimmerman, Hugh Durden, Charles and Jean Fischer enjoy a little camp fun Camper Ryan treated our guests to a special performance of Lean on Me in the theater Making a Gift for the Future Have you considered including Camp Boggy Creek in your will or trust, or perhaps as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy? These gifts, often referred to as Planned or Legacy gifts, are a wonderful way to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of Florida s most seriously ill children. If you have already included Boggy Creek in your estate plans, we hope that you will share that information with us so that we may thank you for your thoughtful generosity. For more information on how to include Boggy Creek in your will or trust and for other planned giving options, please visit our website or contact Liz Rogers at 866-Go-Boggy ( ), ext. 646 or lrogers@boggycreek.org. The Schwarzkopf Society For nearly two decades, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf has dedicated himself to the mission of Camp Boggy Creek. In honor of his commitment, we formed The Schwarzkopf Society to recognize those donors who embrace the General s spirit of philanthropy and his steadfast commitment to our campers. We honor the many individuals, corporations, foundations and healthcare partners who make cumulative General H. Norman Schwarzkopf with Boggy Creek campers annual gifts at the following levels: Four Star Membership Annual Gifts of $100,000 or more Three Star Membership Annual Gifts of $50,000 - $99,999 Two Star Membership Annual Gifts of $25,000 - $49,999 One Star Membership Annual Gifts of $10,000 - $24,999 For more information about The Schwarzkopf Society contact Liz Rogers at 866-Go-Boggy ( ), ext. 646 or lrogers@boggycreek.org. 11

12 The Boggy Creek Gang, Inc Brantley Branch Rd. Eustis, FL Toll Free PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MID-FLORIDA, FL PERMIT NO. 581 Stay Connected... Camp Boggy Creek is on Facebook Healthcare partnerships Attention Doctors and Nurses! Attention Doctors and Nurses! For more information about becoming a volunteer physician, contact our Medical Director, Dr. Susan Griffi s at drsue@boggycreek.org. For more information about becoming a summer staff nurse or volunteer nurse, contact our Nurse Manager, Sheri Brown at campnurse@boggycreek.org or call , ext Special Thanks to the 2011 Healthcare Partners Each year Healthcare Partners assist with specific illness groups and contribute greatly to the Camp s success. The following organizations provide vital resources that also improve the lives of our campers. Many of these Healthcare Partners have supported Boggy Creek since the Camp opened in 1996.