As 2018 Approaches...

As the New Year approaches, this is always a special time of year.  I find myself thinking about how much of a miracle it is that Camp Good Days is in its 39^th year of providing programs and services to children and families affected by cancer and sickle cell anemia.  During this time, if after your holiday bills are paid for, you find that you have some extra money, please consider making a tax deductable donation to Camp Good Days, or make it part of your New Year’s resolution to donate some of your time volunteering at one of our many programs and events, to help us continue providing our services to the families in our community who need them.  Helping Camp Good Days is a great way to give back and help make a difference in someone’s life.  The schedule for our summer programs will be available at the end of January, so please look over the programs and see if there is one you feel you could help with. 

Camp Good Days would not be what it is without the help of hundreds of volunteers—they are the backbone of Camp Good Days, and I am thankful every day for all the people who help make all we do possible.  In early January, some selected volunteers and key people who help make Camp Good Days possible will be notified that they will be awarded in April at our annual Night of Gratitude. This night is very special to not only the volunteers who are recipients of a Teddi Award or are inducted into the Ring of Honor, but also to the staff at Camp Good Days since we are all able to show our appreciation to our wonderful volunteers!  Those who have gone above and beyond the expectations of a volunteer, and have been a big help this past year will be the recipient of a Teddi Award, and those who have been helping for many years will be inducted into the Ring of Honor, and receive a brick with their name on it to be placed in the Ring of Honor down at our beautiful camp facility on Keuka Lake. 

After the Holiday Season, we will be getting ready for the 36th Annual Teddi Dance for Love that the students at St. John Fisher put on every year to help raise money for our campers.  The Teddi Dance for Love is a 24 hour dance marathon in February, and it is a truly exciting event. Last year, the students were able to raise over $70,000 for Camp Good Days!  We will also be getting ready for our 18^th Annual Finger Lakes International Wine Competition where wines from all over the world will be judged and awarded a bronze, silver, gold, or double gold award.  Last year, over 3,000 wines were entered!

This time of year is a busy time at Camp Good Days, and I will try to keep you all updated on all of the exciting things happening! Let me also take this time to wish you and yours a 2018 filled with good health, peace, and much love.