Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Kicking off our 40th Summer

There has been a lot happening so far as we kick off our 40th summer!

On Friday, May 17th, I was proud to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the State University of New York at the College at Brockport as well as be the Graduate Ceremony Commencement Speaker.  Camp Good Days has such a special relationship with Dr. Heidi Macpherson, the president of the college, and the College at Brockport’s students and faculty. 
 

 

I was also very honored to speak at Desi Benet’s celebration of life.  Desi was the wife of Bill Benet, a long-time Camp Good Days supporter whose father is the inspiration behind the Joe Benet Memorial Kazoo Fest that Camp Good Days celebrates around Christmas time at the local malls.  Desi was a wonderful friend to me and to Camp Good Days, and we will all miss her very much.

On May 20th, we held our 36th Annual Tournament of Love golf tournament at Monroe Golf Club.  We had a wonderful turnout and while the day was very windy, the rain stayed away and everyone was able to have a great day on the golf course.  We were very happy to have Salvatore “Soccer Sam” Fantauzzo be the honorary chair for the event.

On Tuesday, May 28th the Camp Good Days staff attended the opening of the new Salvatore’s location on Monroe Avenue in Pittsford.  We were very happy to support Soccer Sam and his staff, and the food, as always, was delicious!


 
We had our first Project TIPS of the summer on Thursday, May 30 at Jones Square Park.  We had many representatives there from law enforcement, the medical field, community programs etc. who took the time to interact with the residents who live in the neighborhood and provide them with information and toys for the children.  This program is such a wonderful way to improve the relationships between law enforcement and the people in the communities they serve.  It is the best example of community policing.  During this event, we have a quality of life survey done by volunteers which are then given to the Criminal Justice program students at RIT to see what residents want improved in their neighborhoods.  We also have a cookout and A Horse’s Friend provides horseback rides for the children while DJ Dr. Sweetback plays music.  There will be a Project TIPS on June 27, July 25 and August 22.  Please refer to our website for updated information on location for each TIPS.


 

Lastly, this past weekend we kicked off our first program of the summer, our Camp SOAR (Supportive Oncology Adult Retreat) program for men and women diagnosed with cancer and the people who offer them support during their walk with cancer.  This program offers activities like crafts, massage, reiki, fishing, and much more.  It offers the men and women who attend a chance to be surrounded by others who know what it is like to be them.
 


It is crazy to think that we are officially in summer mode.  Summer is always my favorite time of year since I get to see all of the hard work that we do during the year pay off as we watch the children, men and women in our programs enjoy all that our programs have to offer.
I wish everyone a safe start to their summer and to every camper and volunteer who is coming to camp this summer, see you soon!
 

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