Story

You all know I’m not in the habit of doing birthday fundraisers, & I didn’t do one this year either. Being perpetually broke myself, I regularly do hands-on volunteer work with a number of worthy (and ever-needy!) organizations, including homeless shelters, refugee resettlement programs, sex trafficking mitigation support units, and low income schools. If you’re in my circle, I know you give generously to causes dear to your own heart. There has never been a time when we have all needed to shine our collective light more.

My kids grew up hearing me reference the most impactful summer of my life, when I had the opportunity to be a counselor at Camp Loyaltown in the Catskills, a magical respite for children with developmental, intellectual, (and often physical) disabilities. We throw around words like “special” casually, but this is truly an exceptional place: No matter what challenges they have to endure the rest of the year, campers here can experience the simple joys of just being KIDS!!! Surrounded by a loving, caring, safe community of hardworking staff from around the globe, “DEI” walks the walk here. The focus is not on “disabilities,” but “abilities” - from a wheelchair-bound kid racing go-carts, to a non-verbal child winning the Talent Show, to a blind teen stringing someone’s boxers up the flagpole! I’ve seen kids with autism who don’t respond to their names light up with smiles when the name of this place is mentioned. In short, Camp Loyaltown is the best of humanity; the best of our world.

This year, the community lost a giant: long-time director, Paul Cullen. In his honor, past employees (like myself) are coming together - many from overseas - to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of this incredible institution. Remarkably, the timing coincides with a generous gift-matching program - making every dollar donated right now count twice!!! We all need vacations, and you’ve worked hard to earn yours. Families with offspring who have special needs often experience long-term struggles both financially and in terms of the mental, physical, and emotional demands they endure as caregivers. Camp gives these families a much-needed break; it’s not just the kids who look forward to re-charging.

So while I hate to do it, I’m humbly asking… Would you help me by making a little tax-deductible donation to keep this place doing what it does so well? Every $ counts, and is much appreciated. Keep shining your light, my friends.