Wednesday, November 30, 2016

The Holiday Season and the End of 2016


As the year of 2016 is coming to a close, it is a good time to reflect back on this past year at Camp Good Days.  I am so thankful for the many blessings that have been bestowed on me and I do not forget the awesome responsibility of being the steward of Camp Good Days.  This organization keeps building on Teddi’s legacy as we try hard to keep making the organization better.  On October 1st, our 38th year of camp began. Sometimes, it seems like I went to bed and woke up, and time has flown by.  Other times, it seems that I could have lived five lifetimes and not have accomplished all that we did. 
Recently, I was honored to receive the Cure Magazine GBM Heroes Award in Scottsdale, Arizona.  It was a beautiful event and I was very pleased to have a lot of people that make camp possible join me.  The event was held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel.  I was able to meet some amazing people who go above and beyond to help those affected by glioblastoma.  I was also able to meet Fran Drescher, who is known for her acting role in “The Nanny” and for her work in helping those who have been touched by cancer.  While I was there, I was able to visit Arizona State University, Sedona, and the Church of the Holy Cross, which was built into the side of a mountain.  I was humbled by the amazing works of nature and all of the wonderful things in this world that the good Lord created.  Looking at what was around me, it brought into perspective how small and finite a person’s role is in the grand picture.  This trip to Arizona and receiving the award made me come back to Camp Good Days even more excited to make 2017 the best year yet.
Kazoo Fest is once again in season in Rochester and Buffalo thanks to the support of JC Penney’s.  Kazoo Fest will be happening at the Eastview, Marketplace, and Greece Ridge Malls in Rochester, and the Galleria Mall in Buffalo.  Kazoos make great stocking stuffers, and they are a very fun tradition for children and adults. All of the proceeds benefit the children and families of Camp Good Days, and we are still looking for volunteers for each of the malls, so if you would like to volunteer, please call the Camp Good Days office.  During Kazoo Fest, we will also be selling car raffle tickets.  Thanks to the generosity of Vanderstyne Toyota and Toyota Motorsports, we have a 2017 Corolla SE that could be yours! Tickets are being sold for $20, or three tickets for $50. The drawing for the car will happen on Wednesday, January 4th during the Camp Good Days Annual Open House.  Every penny goes towards the programs and services we provide. 
A very exciting and meaningful event is coming up, A Night to Remember.  During this event, we dedicate the night to six camper families who need some lifting up during the holiday season.  This event is a great way to get the holiday season started.  During the night, the guests are picked up by limos, there is food, reindeers, Santa, Mrs. Clause and an Elf, music, and presents.  For myself, the highlight of the night is when I get to read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to everyone.  This event is such a great way to get in the holiday spirit and remind ourselves about the true meaning of Christmas. 
This is also a great time of year to stay up to date on everything Camp Good Days by tuning in to our radio show which airs the first Thursday of every month at 6:30PM on WYSL 1040AM or 92.1FM.  The radio show can also be found online on our website if you do not have the chance to listen to it when it airs. 
I am looking towards the new year with excitement.  Cancer Mission 2020 is moving in the right direction, and I am hoping that it keeps moving forward within the next year.  I am so very thankful for everything that I have been blessed with, and I am excited to see what the new year brings for everyone involved with Camp Good Days.  May you and your family have a wonderful holiday season and a new year filled with good health, peace, and much love. 

Wendy, Dr. Constine, and I with Fran Drescher
(Photo credit to Derrick Jones-Nelson)

Wendy and I in Sedona