Camp Good Days' Update

As I have said many times, there is no real quiet time here at Camp Good Days.  Things have been crazy since my last post, but I thought I should take a few minutes and catch everyone up.

I can’t thank enough all those who came to the Pittsford Town Board Meeting on May 1, 2012 as I was presented with the 2011 Citizen of the Year Award.  It was a complete surprise when I received the call from Pittsford Town Supervisor, Bill Carpenter, to let me know that I had been selected for this very special honor and to hear that my childhood friend, Bob Michaels, had nominated me.  I headed to the Pittsford Library that evening, expecting a short presentation and a couple of close friends to be there.  I was truly overwhelmed by the number of people who took the time out of their evening, for a presentation that was not part of an event or dinner, to come and show their support.  It meant so much to me and the chance to see so many friends, some of whom I have not seen in many years, was something I won’t soon forget.  My gratitude and thanks go to Supervisor Bill Carpenter, the Pittsford Town Board, and all those who attended that evening. 

On Saturday, May 5, 2012, Camp Good Days hosted our 12^th Annual Finger Lakes International Wine Auction Dinner at the Rochester Plaza Hotel.  The event was a sellout again this year, and event Chairman, Peter Parts, along with Ron Dougherty, David Male, Jayne Van Zile, Val Migliore, and the entire organizing committee did another outstanding job.  Matthew Chung, who again served as our Auctioneer and my good friend, Rich Funke, who served as our Master of Ceremonies, both did their part in making the evening special for all the attendees.  The people at the Rochester Plaza could not have been more accommodating.  Special thanks go out to Scott Greene, Head Football Coach at the University of Rochester and his players who came to our office in Mendon that Friday to help us move all of the wine to the Rochester Plaza; Athletic Director, Anthony Bianchi and all of the student athletes from the Aquinas Institute of Rochester who helped to set everything up on Saturday morning and afternoon; and to the Victor Football players and Booster Club, who spent Saturday evening helping to get all of the wine and auction items to the winning bidders.  An event of this magnitude would not be possible without all of their help and support!  The highlight of the evening came when Katie Bess, who was a camper here at Camp Good Days and now serves as a volunteer, spoke about her battle with cancer and what being a part of the Camp Good Days’ family has meant to her and the impact we have had on her life.  Following Katie’s remarks, more than 95 people stood up to be counted in the Camper Call.  It was unbelievable to see person after person after person stand up and pledge their support.  We do not yet have all of the final figures, but I am confident that this event was another resounding success and that we have reached our goals.

Last Wednesday afternoon, we had the second of three meetings for the committee that has been assembled by Dr. Byron Kennedy, Deputy Director of the Monroe County Health Department and I, in regards to the plan we are developing to address cancer in Monroe County, where cancer is the leading cause of death.  We had another great meeting and it is truly exciting to have some great people at the table who are willing to lend their ideas, support and hard work to put this plan into place.  We will be presenting the plan to County Executive, Maggie Brooks this summer and once it is final, we will make that plan available on our CANCER MISSION 2020 website, http://www.cancermission2020.com/.  If you have not yet checked out the website or have not checked back recently, please do so.  On the site not only can you sign the CANCER MISSION 2020 Petition, lending your support to our efforts, but you can see the CANCER MISSION 2020 Legislation, HR 5283, which has been introduced into Congress by Congressman Tom Reed.  And again, I ask you to share this site and the petition with your contacts so that we can continue our progress forward in putting an end to cancer by the end of the decade!

On Friday and Saturday, May 11-12, 2012, we officially kicked off our 33^rd summer at Camp Good Days.  We hosted a group of young people from the Teen Empowerment and Pathways to Peace programs for a special overnight.  We had some beautiful weather and I think the participants had a good two days, as I had the chance to speak to group and also to listen in on some of the workshops they attended.  Overall it was a good weekend and the Recreational Facility looks great! 

This past Friday, May 18, 2012, we held the first Project T.I.P.S. event for the 2012 season.  By all accounts this was a great kick off for the season.  Project T.I.P.S. stands for Trust, Information, Programs & Services, and includes community agencies and law enforcement personnel working in selected neighborhoods to rebuild trust amongst residents and share information.  From 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, groups including one Police Officer, one Fire Fighter, and two volunteers, visit residents within the neighborhood to create conversations about quality of life issues, as well as to obtain information about the crime and violence that has plagued the neighborhood, in an anonymous format for residents.  The groups also provide residents with information and contacts they can use regarding services that range from health care issues (cancer, diabetes, heart disease) to reporting information for things such as crime, vandalism, and fire.  Project T.I.P.S. continues from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM with a community cookout and get together where residents can come and obtain more information from service providers and law enforcement agencies, as well as have some food and beverages, and have the opportunity to visit with their neighbors that they know and meet some neighbors they may not know.  Since its inception in the summer of 2008, Project T.I.P.S. has quickly evolved into a community-wide effort with support and participation from our Partners Against Violence Everywhere (PAVE) Initiative and Project Exile Advisory Board, as well as the Rochester Police Department, Rochester Fire Department, City of Rochester Recreation Department, New York State Police, New York State Parole, Pathways to Peace, Monroe County Probation, Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Monroe County Department of Human Services, Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, Rise Up Rochester, and numerous other law enforcement and community agencies.

Jones Park was an ideal location, we had a great turnout of community residents and most importantly, the children from the area had the chance to get something to eat, ride the horses, see the different demos and displays, and have a safe and fun afternoon.  I think I speak on behalf of all the participating agencies when I say we are looking forward to the upcoming Project T.I.P.S. events planned for this summer. 

On Friday evening, Wendy and I headed to Sahlen’s Stadium to take her Dad to the Rochester Rhinos’ game, during which they tied the Dayton Dutch Lions.  We are so thankful to have been given the opportunity, again this season, to have the Camp Good Days’ Quarters for Cancer promotion at each of the soccer games held at Sahlen’s Stadium.  Quarters for Cancer includes staff and volunteers collecting donations as attendees come into the stadium and we have an informational table set up just inside Gate D.  We are still looking for volunteers to help at the games and if you are interested, please contact Laura Osborn at 585-624-5555 or losborn@campgooddays.org and she will be happy to send you the game schedule and get you signed up!

On Saturday morning, Wendy and I were up bright and early and headed to Camp, as we also had our first session of the Women’s Oncology Program, the Women’s Arts & Crafts Program, taking place this past Friday – Sunday.  It was so nice that all of the women who registered for the program were actually able to attend.  I had the chance to observe the various activities and speak with some of the participants who were all having a good time.  I also had the chance to meet with some visitors from the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa, who flew up to New York to visit Camp Good Days.  I met these folks last month during the Annual Florida Fun Fest and we are all excited to be working together on plans to have some of the children they serve attend our programs here at Camp Good Days and they have also lent their support and are assisting us in the efforts for CANCER MISSION 2020. 

On Sunday I took care of some personal things at home and come Monday morning, Wendy and I were back on the road to Camp.  We met with some visitors from the Harlem Boys & Girls Club and discussed some ways in which we might be able to collaborate, by having some of their participants who would qualify, attend some of our camping programs, as well as arranging for a special trip for some of our campers to visit the New York City area.  We also went with them to view some land they have had donated, located outside of Bath, New York and gave them some ideas and suggestions as to how they best might develop that land. 

We made it back to Rochester in time to head to Frontier Field for the Rochester Red Wings game.  It was the Rochester / Monroe County Youth Board’s Bullying Prevention Night at the game.  Wendy is the President of the Board for the Rochester / Monroe County Youth Board and she had to attend and I wanted to lend my support. 

This morning I had breakfast with an old friend and longtime Camp Good Days’ supporter, Jim Capellupo.  I spent a couple hours in the office and then went to NEWS10NBC to tape an interview about CANCER MISSION 2020 with Ray Levato for the Rochester In Focus show.  Later this afternoon we met with Jay and Jay Jay Vanderstyne from Vanderstyne Toyota to finalize details and logistics for the 2012 Camp Good Days’ Car Raffle.  We are beyond grateful that because of the generosity of the Vanderstynes and Toyota Motors we will be able to conduct a raffle again this year.  Tickets will be available very soon so check out our website, www.campgooddays.org for more details! 

This evening we have a Training Session for returning volunteers in the Rochester area and we are looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing our plans and goals for the summer camping programs.  There is also an Open Cup series game for the Rochester Rhinos so the Quarters for Cancer table will be set up at Sahlen’s Stadium. 

Tomorrow morning we have our weekly Staff Meeting and a meeting of our Tournament of Love Committee and then I personally am looking forward to heading to the Rochester Riverside Convention Center for the Rochester Press Radio Club’s Day of Champions Dinner, where I will be receiving the Major Donald Holleder Award.  I say I am receiving this award, but truly I am accepting it on behalf of the thousands of people who have been involved with Camp Good Days, supported our many efforts, and helped to keep Teddi’s memory and legacy alive, because it is all of them who have helped to make all that we have accomplished possible – as I say often – I am just the pretty face! 

As you can see, it’s very busy.  I am exhausted already and it’s only Tuesday!  Wishing all of you a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend!

A Memorable Florida Fun Fest

Of all the things that I get to do, one that never loses its enjoyment is the Annual Florida Fun Fest trip that we take each year with some of our campers.  Having just returned last night, I can say that this year was another memorable trip.  We did things a little bit differently this year, as in the past we have taken the trip around Election Day or just after the holidays in January, but this year we were in Central Florida from April 25^th – 30^th.  In past years, we have spent the majority of time in the Orlando area, but this time we flew into Tampa and spent Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Tampa and St. Petersburg.  We stayed at the Tradewinds Island Resort and the weather was absolutely beautiful and the campers had the opportunity to spend some time on the beach and in the Gulf of Mexico, which is something that they won’t soon forget. 

On Wednesday evening, we were the special guests of Steve & Patty DiGennaro and some of their neighbors for a cookout dinner.  They are true friends and such wonderful supporters of the children and families at Camp Good Days and once again their hospitality and kindness was above and beyond any expectations.  Following dinner, we all headed to Tropicana Field to watch the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Anaheim Angels, which was a great experience, as it was the first time that many of the campers had the chance to attend a Major League Baseball game.

On Thursday morning, we all got on a boat and did a Dolphin Watch Boat Tour.  Again, it was a beautiful day and I am so pleased that we all got the chance to see a number of dolphins.  On Thursday afternoon I had the chance to meet with some people from the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa and we had a great discussion about some ways in which we can collaborate on providing some unique experiences for the children and families we all serve.  I also shared CANCER MISSION 2020 with them and I am so pleased that they are interested in helping and supporting us in those efforts.

Later that day was extra special for me because while the campers and volunteers played on the beach and in the Gulf, I had the chance to see an old and dear friend, Dr. Martin Klemperer.  Dr. Klemperer is someone who was instrumental in helping me to start Camp Good Days and over the years has helped me to keep my daughter Teddi’s dream and spirit alive.

I will always remember the first meeting we ever had in regards to starting Camp Good Days, which was held at the Rochester Academy for Medicine on East Avenue, and attended by more than 100 people.  I had invited Dr. Royer to speak at the meeting, as he was the doctor who started a similar program in Michigan and I had seen a story on The Today Show about his camp, which was what started me on this journey.  After the meeting, I felt like I was on top of the mountain, but as I was taking Dr. Royer to the airport for his return trip to Kalamazoo, he said we had a great turnout at the meeting and he was confident that we would be able to raise the necessary funds, recruit the volunteers, and we certainly had the children that would benefit, but that he thought we might have difficulty in finding a doctor that would be willing to commit the time that would be necessary, especially if it was not their idea.  The three other programs that had been established prior to Camp Good Days were all started by doctors.  I went from the top of the mountain to the bottom of the valley because although I knew there were many things that I could do, I was not a doctor.  Shortly thereafter, Dr. Klemperer came into my life and as they say, the rest is history.  Dr. Klemperer was always there for me in the early years and even after he moved from working at the University of Rochester Medical Center to Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and later to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, he continued to come back to Camp Good Days each summer, with his wife, Helen, at their own expense, to serve as our Camp Doctor.  Dr. Klemperer is 81 years old now, dealing with some of his own health challenges, and unable to make it to Camp Good Days each summer, but it was such a pleasure and so nice to have had the opportunity to see this very special angel to the children of Camp Good Days and to spend some time with him, catching up, reminiscing, and sharing some of the good times we had together.

On Friday morning, we checked out of the Tradewinds and headed to Busch Gardens for the day.  Later, we went for dinner and I had the chance to catch up and spend some time with two old friends.  Joan Bell, whose husband, Theo, played in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was a great friend and supporter who passed away a few years ago at much too young an age, met us for dinner, as did Dr. Cameron Tebbi who I have known for 33 years. 

When Dr. Tebbi and I first met, Camp Good Days was just beginning and he was the chief of the Adolescent Oncology Unit at Roswell Park Cancer Center.  He left Roswell to become the Medical Director, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Research Laboratories at

St. Joseph’s Children's Hospital in Tampa, and now serves as a Professor of Pediatrics and Director, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the University of South Florida in Tampa.  Over the years when we have taken our Annual Florida Fun Fest trip and ever needed medical support, Dr. Tebbi has always been there for us.  He is an amazing doctor and person, who holds several patents and has spent 41 years studying, researching, and treating those with leukemia.  Currently, Dr. Tebbi is working to secure much needed funding, as he feels that we will be able to predict, in babies, a future diagnosis of leukemia, and ultimately develop a vaccine for leukemia.  He is someone who has truly devoted his life and work to finding the answers to cancer and he too supports and wants to help us in the efforts of CANCER MISSION 2020. 

On the topic of CANCER MISSION 2020, I got some great news while I was out of town last week that legislation has been completed and will be introduced by Congressman Tom Reed.  This legislation is a result of the CANCER MISSION 2020 Congressional District Cancer Summits that were held last August in the Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse areas.  We are also moving ahead with development of the plan to address cancer in Monroe County, where cancer is now the leading cause of death.  Our first of three, small, working meetings – this one focused on prevention – is being held tomorrow afternoon.  I am excited that we are moving forward with this important initiative and I look forward to sharing more about these meetings and the plan, in the weeks to come. 

Another one of the highlights for me during our trip was having Tamara Kerbs join us.  Tamara has faced her own battle with cancer and became part of the Camp Good Days’ family when she attended our Junior Good Days’ Program in Rochester.  She later attended the Teddi’s Team / Doing A World Of Good residential camping programs, and served as a member of our Summer Staff.  Tamara completed her undergraduate work at Binghamton University and now lives in Central Florida, where she just completed her Master’s Degree and as soon as she passes her boards, Tamara will be Nurse Practitioner.  Tamara spent a few days with us during the trip, volunteering her time to help Michelle Roach, our Medical Director and I am so proud of her and the beautiful young lady she has become! 

On Friday evening, we made the bus trip from Tampa to Orlando and checked into the Seralago Suites.  On Saturday, we all headed to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, where we are always treated like special VIP guests.  The staff there goes out of their way to greet our campers and provide them with a fantastic and fun-filled day in their theme parks.  On Sunday, my good friends, John and Linda Mongoven, along with some of their friends and neighbors in the Hunter’s Creek Community, hosted our group for a picnic and had Chief Rowley entertain and educate the group with his amazing Snake Show.  We all then headed to Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios for the rest of the afternoon and evening. 

On Monday, we checked out of the Seralago and headed to the airport for the trip back home to Upstate New York.  I know that this trip will be one that the campers and the volunteers will remember for the rest of their lives and for me, I was like the proud Grandfather, watching the campers, volunteers and staff all have a great time, interacting, bonding and making some great memories together, and I am so pleased that Camp Good Days is able to make this experience possible.  Of course this trip would not be possible without the amazing support of some special people. 

This trip has taken place since 1985 and was originated when Rochester businessman, Wayne Meisenzahl, who was completing his own treatment for cancer, wanted to give children touched by cancer the opportunity to experience firsthand, the magic of Central Florida.  The Annual Florida Trip has continued because of the generosity of Ms. Germaine K. Hess, one of Meisenzahl’s clients, who left a bequest to Camp Good Days, through an estate, specifically to ensure that Camp Good Days will be able to continue providing the trip. 

In addition, the trip is made possible through the Teddi Project at Camp Good Days.  The Teddi Project is supported through the annual Dance for Love, a 24-hour dance marathon at St. John Fisher College.  The 30^th Annual Dance for Love took place this past February 17-18, 2012.  The trip is also supported through the Sugarman Smiles Fund, which was established at Camp Good Days by local businessman, Gary Sugarman, and is a wish-fulfillment program for those dealing with cancer, over age 18; as well as the Gary Amendola Fun Fund, which was established in memory of Gary Amendola, who was a good friend, supporter and member of the Camp Good Days’ Board of Directors and lost his own battle with cancer.  The Gary Amendola Fun Fund provides the means for Camp Good Days to host special outings, activities and events throughout the year.

I am now back in the office and that is all the time there is for reflection because it is really busy as we put all of the final details into place for the Wine Auction Dinner, which takes place this Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Rochester Plaza Hotel.  Over the past 12 years, the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and Auction Dinner has become the largest fundraising event, in the Rochester area, to benefit the children and families at Camp Good Days and I know that because of the hard work and dedication of the committee members, this year is sure to be another great success! 

While going through the items in my office this morning, I was so pleased to see the Exceptional Citizen Award, which was given to me by Shannon McVeigh and the Rochester Elks Lodge #24.  I am sorry that I could not personally accept the award, as I was out of town for the Florida Fun Fest trip, but I greatly appreciate the honor.  Tonight, I will be receiving the Town of Pittsford’s Citizen of the Year Award and I am truly humbled and honored to have been nominated and selected for this award.

Right now, I am drained, both physically and emotionally, but it was a wonderful trip and I feel so blessed to be recognized and honored for what we are doing here at Camp Good Days, but as I always say – I am just the pretty face!  It is the amazing staff members and the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who make it possible for us to continue providing the good days and special times to the many children and families who need them!

Crunch Time at Camp Good Days

We are into crunch time here at Camp Good Days, as we are not only in the process of preparing the Recreational Facility for all of the summer camping programs and obtaining all of the permits in order to operate our programs, but we also have several special fundraising events coming up.

As I think most of you know, when I started Camp Good Days 33 years ago, it was very important to me that no family would be faced with the decision between sending their loved one to Camp Good Days and paying their bills, as oftentimes with the diagnosis of cancer one member of the family must put their career on hold to become the primary caregiver and while the family income decreases, the expenses remain the same. Therefore, I made a promise that all of our programs and services would be provided free of charge. As Camp Good Days has grown over the years and the number of programs we offer has expanded, the pressure to continually generate enough revenue to be able to keep my promise has also increased.

However, I am so pleased that due to the overwhelming generosity of so many individuals, businesses and organizations, along with the success of our special fundraising events, we are able to keep my promise and offer our programs free of charge for the many children, adults and families who need us.

Our special events are vital and the options are endless…whether you love to dance, love wine, can’t wait to get out on the golf course, or are in need of a perfect gift for someone!

This weekend, the students at Ithaca College will host their second Annual Dance for Courage, kicking off on Friday night at 8:00 PM. We wish the very best to the dancers, volunteers, and all those who have helped to make this event possible and extend our gratitude for their help and support.

Over the past 12 years, the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and Wine Auction Dinner has become the largest fundraising event in the Greater Rochester area to benefit the children and families we serve. The 12th Annual Wine Auction Dinner will take place on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Rochester Plaza Hotel, 70 State Street, Downtown Rochester. This exciting evening will begin with a Wine Tasting, Silent Auction & Live Auction Preview at 5:30 PM, and the Auction Dinner at 7:00 PM. Once again this year, Matthew Chung will serve as the Lead Auctioneer and Rich Funke, Anchor with NEWS10NBC will be our Master of Ceremonies.

The 12th Annual Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, which was held March 24 & 25, 2012, was a resounding success. More than 3200 wines were entered into the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. These entries came from 788 wineries, including 109 New York State Wineries, from 22 different countries around the world, all 50 states and five Canadian Provinces.

All of the wines were evaluated by a world-renowned panel of judges representing distributors, educators, enologists, sommeliers, restaurateurs, winemakers and writers from all over the United States and around the world. The judges awarded Double Gold (unanimous), Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and the medal winning wines will be featured at the Wine Auction Dinner, along with a delicious meal, great friends and conversation, and fabulous silent and live auction items.

Tickets to attend the Wine Auction Dinner are $150.00 per person and can be purchased by calling Camp Good Days at 585-624-5555 or online via www.fliwc.com or www.campgooddays.org.

If you love wine, this is the event you want to attend. Tickets would also make a fantastic gift for that special someone. In addition to having a wonderful time and tasting some of the best wine in the world, you will leave that evening knowing that you have helped to create some good days and special times for some very special children and families.

In addition to the Wine Auction Dinner, we will host the 29th Annual Tournament of Love Golf Tournament on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at Monroe Golf Club, one of the premier clubs in the Rochester area. Super Bowl Champions New York Giants’ Mark Herzlich will be the Special Guest and serving as Chairpersons are Paul and Kirsten Estabrooks of Victor.

There are a few remaining Sponsorship, Advertising, and Participation options available for the 29th Annual Tournament of Love and more information is available by contacting Nicole Jones at Camp Good Days, 585-624-5555 or njones@campgooddays.org, or online at www.campgooddays.org.

In the Western New York area, the 11th Annual Camp Good Days’ Gala, will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. This year's creative black-tie gala theme is: Camp Olympus - Where Campers Are Heroes! We invite you to join us for an elegant evening of food, music, entertainment and auctions. This event has sold out five years in a row, so get your tickets fast! To obtain more information about the event or to purchase tickets, check out www.campgooddaysgala.com or contact our Buffalo Office at 716-206-0709.

We are also gearing up for the 2012 Project T.I.P.S. events. Project T.I.P.S. stands for Trust, Information, Programs & Services, and includes community agencies and law enforcement personnel working in selected neighborhoods to rebuild trust amongst residents and share information. Groups, including one Police Officer, one Fire Fighter, and two volunteers, visit residents within the neighborhood to create conversations about quality of life issues, as well as to obtain information about the crime and violence that has plagued the neighborhood, in an anonymous format for residents. The groups also provide residents with information and contacts they can use regarding services that range from health care issues (cancer, diabetes, heart disease) to reporting information for things such as crime, vandalism, and fire.

Project T.I.P.S. continues with a community cookout and get together, where residents can come and obtain more information from service providers and law enforcement agencies, as well as have some food and beverages, and have the opportunity to visit with their neighbors that they know and meet some neighbors they may not know.

The Inaugural Project T.I.P.S. was held in August 2008 in the Dewey and Driving Park community. Since that time, Project T.I.P.S. was brought to the Dayton Street neighborhood on February, 20, 2009, following the shooting of Rochester Police Department Officer, Anthony DiPonzio. Project T.I.P.S. has also been held on April 16, 2009 in the Jefferson Avenue neighborhood, July 24, 2009 in the Conkey Avenue neighborhood; Friday, October 9, 2009 in the Hudson Avenue neighborhood; Friday, May 7, 2010 in the Lyell Avenue neighborhood; and Friday, June 25, 2010 in the Scio Street & Ontario Street neighborhood. Four Project T.I.P.S. events were held in 2011, including: Friday, May 20, 2011 in the Scio & Ontario neighborhood; Friday, June 17, 2011 in the Conkey & Clifford neighborhood; Friday, July 22, 2011 in the Jefferson Avenue neighborhood; and Friday, September 9, 2011 at Jones Park.

Following a similar plan to last year, it was decided that we will host two Project T.I.P.S. events at locations we have visited previously, and hold two events at new locations. The first Project T.I.P.S. event for 2012 is scheduled for Friday, May 18, 2012 at Jones Park.

In regards to the on-going efforts of CANCER MISSION 2020, as a result of the meeting that was held on February 28, 2012, it was determined that a small, working committee should be formed and tasked with the objective of developing a plan for addressing cancer in Monroe County. We had our first meeting of this small committee Wednesday afternoon. The goal of this committee is to create this plan and have it ready to be presented to County Executive Maggie Brooks early this summer. The plan will focus on three key areas: Prevention; Education & Research, in terms of sharing information about where we are now in the fight against cancer and about how people can become active advocates for making finding the answers to cancer a priority, and utilizing CANCER MISSION 2020 as a means for bringing cancer to the front burner and encouraging people to visit the website, sign the petition and share the information; and Support for those who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. We have a great group of people working on this committee, with some fantastic synergy and we are all looking forward to our upcoming meetings and to the opportunity we have been given to develop a plan that can serve as a model for other communities across New York State and around the country.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Tom Reed last week to discuss the CANCER MISSION 2020 legislation that he will be introducing and am looking forward to sharing more about that soon.

PLEASE…if you have not yet done so, check out www.cancermission2020.com, learn the facts about where we stand in the fight against cancer and if you feel the way that we do, sign the CANCER MISSION 2020 Petition and share the site with your network of contacts. There is strength in numbers and we need everyone’s support!

For me personally, one of the most special things we do during the year is our Annual Florida Fun Fest, in which we take a group of campers to experience the magic and adventure of Central Florida. We have been taking this trip since 1985 and this year, we are taking the trip a bit later than usual, but we have a fun and exciting long weekend planned for the campers who will be attending. The group will fly into Tampa and spend a couple of days there and then head over to Orlando for a couple of days. While in Central Florida, the group will have the opportunity to visit Busch Gardens, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Even though we are in 2012 and it may seem hard to believe, it is always so special to see someone who is taking their first flight on an airplane or visiting one of the theme parks for the very first time.

As you can tell by reading this, there is a lot going on! It is amazing to realize how much we accomplish and it truly starts with the many, many volunteers who give so much of their time and love to help us and a small, but great staff here at Camp Good Days. We could not accomplish all that we do, without all of them!

On the topic of volunteers…there is still time to get your Volunteer Application completed and submitted for the summer programs. Volunteer Applications for the summer programs are available online at our website, www.campgooddays.org, or by calling 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135.

Registration Forms for all of our programs are also available and complete program information and online registration can be found on our website, www.campgooddays.org. To obtain a hard copy of the program brochures and registration forms, please contact our Headquarters at 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135.

Help us give some good days and special times to someone you know who is dealing with cancer…share our program information or become a volunteer!

There are many ways for you to keep up-to-date with everything we have going on…

Check out our website, www.campgooddays.org

Become our fan on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/CampGoodDays79 / www.facebook.com/CancerMission2020

Follow us on Twitter:

@CampGoodDays / @EndCancer2020

Tune in to the Camp Good Days’ Monthly Radio Show:

First Thursday of every month

WYSL 1040AM & 92.1FM – Miss the show?

Get the Podcast at www.wysl1040.com.

That’s all for now…hope you all have a great weekend!

Many Updates & Happy Spring!

The past few weeks have just flown by and have been busy! I was recently in Orlando, to see some friends and work out some of the details and plans for our upcoming Florida Fun Fest, during which we will be bringing a group of campers to the Central Florida area, as well as to work on CANCER MISSION 2020 and while I was there, I saw firsthand the fallout from the tragic death of Trayvon Martin. It is my hope that out of Trayvon’s tragic death will come something positive, in the form of a learning experience for citizens across our country.

For the past 13 years, I have been pleased to serve as the Chairman of the Project Exile Advisory Board, which is a group of law enforcement, prosecutorial, community and business leaders, all working together to remove illegal guns and drugs from the streets of our community. One thing I have learned through my involvement with Project Exile, as well as through attending the FBI Citizen’s Academy and the Rochester Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy is that the presence of a gun elevates any human interaction to a potentially life or death situation. No one should be carrying a gun without the proper training and experience, and there needs to be a clear definition of the role of neighborhood watch participants so that they understand that they are there to help and assist law enforcement in serving and protecting their community.

Although the facts and details are still coming to light, this tragic loss of a 17-year-old young man has forever changed the lives of his family, and George Zimmerman’s life is forever altered. If Zimmerman had not had that gun, there is a very good chance that both of them would still be here today.

Hopefully all of the conversations and demonstrations that have come about as a result of this tragedy will become a teaching opportunity and a learning experience and will lead to some real changes, including a federal uniform policy when it comes to handguns, which will help to prevent a situation like this from happening in the future.

I believe it is the right of any law-abiding citizen to legally own a gun, but along with that right and ownership comes an awesome responsibility. Legal gun owners need to understand the gun they are purchasing, have a comprehensive background check, and know how to properly store and lock their guns, when they are not in their possession, so that they do not end up in the hands of those who ought not to have them (i.e. burglaries, car break-ins).

The tragedy of Trayvon’s death was avoidable and unnecessary and the subsequent situation, by the time it is through, will cost the American citizens millions in tax payer dollars. Let us hope that this tragedy will end in something positive and with a beneficial return on our tax payer investment.

In other news, the 12^th Annual Finger Lakes International Wine Competition took place last weekend and the event continues to be amazing! We received more than 3200 entries from 788 wineries, including 109 New York State Wineries, from 22 different countries around the world, all 50 states and five Canadian Provinces. All of the entries were evaluated by a world-renowned panel of judges representing distributors, educators, enologists, sommeliers, restaurateurs, winemakers and writers. These diversified experts came from all over the United States and around the world. The judges spent Saturday, March 23^rd and Sunday, March 24^th evaluating all of the wine entries and spent Monday, March 25^th touring the Finger Lakes Region of our state and visiting some of our fantastic Finger Lakes’ wineries.

For a complete listing of our judges, as well as the medal winning wines, check out www.fliwc.com.

Over the past 12 years, the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and Auction Dinner has become the largest fundraising event in the Greater Rochester area to support the children and families at Camp Good Days. The medal winning wines, along with some great live and silent auction items will be featured at the 12^th Annual Wine Auction Dinner on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Rochester Plaza Hotel. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased by contacting us, here at Camp Good Days, 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135 or can be purchased online via www.campgooddays.org.

In regards to CANCER MISSION 2020…THE END OF CANCER BY THE END OF THE DECADE, we have some exciting things taking place. We are looking forward to our first meeting on April 11^th with a small, working committee to develop a plan for addressing cancer in Monroe County, where cancer is now the leading cause of death. We have a good group of people committed to being a part of this plan’s development and we look forward to sharing more information about this in the coming weeks.

Our College Campus Advocates are working hard on their respective campuses to help us spread the word about CANCER MISSION 2020 and generate awareness about where we currently stand in our fight against cancer. Our advocates at St. John Fisher College held a CANCER MISSION 2020 Petition Drive this past Monday and Tuesday and did a great job in obtaining petition signatures from their fellow students. The advocates at the University of Rochester are working on a CANCER MISSION 2020 Forum for mid-April and more details about that event will be available soon.

PLEASE…if you have not yet done so, check out www.cancermission2020.com, learn the facts about where we stand in the fight against cancer and if you feel the way that we do, sign the CANCER MISSION 2020 Petition and share the site with your network of contacts. There is strength in numbers and we need everyone’s support!

Summer will be here before we know it and things are coming together for a fun and exciting summer season here at Camp Good Days. Registration Forms for all of our programs are available now and complete program information and online registration can be found on our website, www.campgooddays.org. To obtain a hard copy of the program brochures and registration forms, please contact our Headquarters at 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135.

We are always looking for a few good men and women to serve as volunteers for the many programs. Volunteer Applications for the summer programs are also available now, either online at our website, www.campgooddays.org, or by calling 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135.

All of our programs and services are provided free of charge so please help us give some good days and special times to someone you know who is dealing with cancer…share our program information or become a volunteer!

As we approach the Easter and Passover holiday, it is important to take some time and reflect on our lives and be conscious and thankful for our blessings. I wish all of you a beautiful holiday and don’t forget to check out our website, www.campgooddays.org, for all of the most up-to-date information about our programs, services, volunteer opportunities and upcoming events!

CANCER MISSION 2020; WINE; NIGHT OF GRATITUDE & MORE!

A few weeks ago, on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, Monroe County Executive, Maggie Brooks, along with Monroe County Health Department Deputy Director, Dr. Byron Kennedy, and myself, hosted a meeting at Monroe Community Hospital for government, medical and support service leaders and representatives, to share information and discuss strategies for addressing cancer in Monroe County.

Approximately 35 people attended the meeting, including Rochester Mayor, Tom Richards; Monroe County Clerk, Cheryl Dinolfo; and representatives from Congressman Tom Reed’s Office; Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle’s Office; Congresswoman Louise Slaughter’s Office; Congresswoman Kathy Hochul’s Office; Wilmot Cancer Center; University of Rochester Medical Center; Rochester General Hospital; Thompson Health; Anthony Jordan Health Center; Rochester Primary Care Network; Greater Rochester Health Foundation; Monroe County Board of Health / Penfield Place; American Cancer Society; and Gilda’s Club Rochester.

Attendees learned about cancer in Monroe County, including the fact that cancer is now the leading cause of death in Monroe County and about the establishment and progress of CANCER MISSION 2020…The End Of Cancer By The End Of The Decade. Discussions took place as to how to strategically approach addressing this issue of cancer within Monroe County, all in an effort to put an end to cancer and to improve the quality of life for citizens in Monroe County.

In follow-up to this initial meeting, County Executive Brooks has asked Dr. Kennedy and I to lead a small committee to develop a comprehensive plan, by the end of June 2012, for addressing cancer in Monroe County. This committee and the plan that is developed will focus on three key components: Prevention; Education & Research, in terms of sharing information about where we are now in the fight against cancer and about how people can become active advocates for making finding the answers to cancer a priority; and Support for those who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

I am so pleased that we are moving forward with this important initiative and I am excited that we are leading the way in truly finding the answers to cancer. It is our hope to create and provide the example and plan for putting an end to cancer, not only in our community, but throughout the country and the world.

As so many of you know, Camp Good Days has grown and thrived due to the generous support of so many individuals, businesses and organizations, and it is through this continued support that we are able to provide our programs and services free of charge for the participants who need them. Last Friday evening we took some time to honor and recognize some of these outstanding supporters and volunteers, our Teddi Award recipients and Ring of Honor Inductees for 2011, at the Camp Good Days’ Night of Gratitude.

The Ring of Honor was established as part of our 25^th Anniversary Celebration in 2004 and includes those who are selected for their outstanding dedication, commitment and support of the thousands of children and families served over the years. In addition to their award, inductee’s names will be included in the permanent Ring of Honor display, which is located at the Camp Good Days’ Recreational Facility, in Branchport, NY, for all to see. The inductees for the Ring of Honor, recognized at A Night of Gratitude were:

Mary Pat Allen of Rochester

Gary Amendola (posthumously) / The Gary Amendola Fun Fund at Woods Oviatt Gilman

Joe Cascio of Buffalo

Sarah Clapper of Rochester

Ron Dougherty of Webster

Will & Muriel Herzog of Rochester

Monroe County Sheriff’s Department

New York State Police

Rochester Police Department

St. Philip’s Church in Cheektowaga

Stacey & Chris Ruisi of West Henrietta

Sahlen’s Packing Company in Buffalo

Amy Schmidt of Fairport

Cameron Tebbi, MD of Tampa, FL

The Vinette Family of Syracuse

The Teddi Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by Camp Good Days to those who have gone above and beyond within the past year, in helping to fulfill the mission of improving the quality of life for children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. The recipients of the Teddi Awards were:

Emily Adasiak of Rochester

Joe Comfort of Webster

Melinda Cooper of Fayetteville

Dave Cooper of Conesus

Patti Curns of Canandaigua

Paul Estabrooks & the Caledonia-Mumford National Junior Honor Society

Bob Gerace of Fairport

Cathy Griepsma of Sodus Point

Teal Hardy of Wayland

Hockey Versus Cancer / Rochester Monarchs

Laurie Jacoby & Art Stern of Ithaca

Skip Johnson of Penn Yan

Karpus Investment Management

Michael Lawandus of Lancaster

Lechase Construction

Michael Margiotta of Rochester

Old Navy – The Shops at Ithaca

Carol Page of Perkinsville

Park Place Global Transportation

John Powell of North Chili

Shari Rife of Kenmore

Ken Rosenfeld of Rochester

Joanne Serpe of Gates

Garrett Smith of Clarence

Mark Sofia of Tampa, formerly of Rochester

The Family of Scotty Toombs of Spencerport

Amanda Vaccaro of Buffalo

Vanderstyne Toyota

Don Zrebiec of Fairport

Congratulations and THANK YOU to all of the Teddi Award recipients and Ring of Honor inductees!

All of us at Camp Good Days are enjoying this early spring weather and gearing up for all of the summer camping programs. Registration Forms for all of the programs are available now and complete program information and online registration can be found on our website, www.campgooddays.org. To obtain a hard copy of the program brochures and registration forms, please contact our Headquarters at 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135.

We are always looking for a few good men and women to serve as volunteers for the many programs. Volunteer Applications for the summer programs are also available now, either online at our website, www.campgooddays.org, or by calling 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135.

Help give some good days and special times to someone you know who is dealing with cancer…share our program information or become a volunteer!

We are only able to continue providing our programs and services free of charge for the participants because of the generosity of so many and the success of special fundraising events. I would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge all of the students, faculty, administration, parents and community members who helped to make this year’s Fayetteville-Manlius Dance Marathon, which was held on Saturday, March 3, 2012, a phenomenal success. These students generated $133,000 to support the children and families at Camp Good Days and we are forever grateful for their support, dedication and commitment!

In the Greater Rochester area, the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and Auction Dinner has become the largest fundraising event to support Camp Good Days. Next weekend, March 24 & 25, 2012, the 12^th Annual Finger Lakes International Wine Competition will take place at the Rochester Plaza Hotel. To date, over 3000 wines have been entered into the competition, from more than 700 wineries from 22 countries and 49 states!

All of the wine entries will be evaluated by a world-renowned panel of judges representing distributors, educators, enologists, sommeliers, restaurateurs, winemakers and writers. These diversified experts come from all over the world. For a complete listing of this year’s Finger Lakes International Wine Competition Judges, with photos and biographies, log on to http://www.fliwc.com/judges.asp.

Throughout the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, each wine is judged on its own merit – its presence, balance and varietal character. Wines are blind judged and all wines are presented to the judges in Riedel crystal stemware. Medals are awarded for the unanimous Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze winning wines and all award winning wines will be featured on www.fliwc.com.

The medal winning wines will be featured at the 12^th Annual Camp Good Days’ Wine Auction Dinner on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Rochester Plaza Hotel. If you love wine or want to enhance your wine collection, the 12^th Annual Wine Auction Dinner is the place to be. With medal winning and rare wines and other exceptional silent and live auction items available, along with great food and great conversation, this is definitely the wine event you want to attend!

Tickets to attend the Wine Auction Dinner are $150 per person and can be purchased by calling Camp Good Days at 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135, or can be purchased online at www.campgooddays.org or www.fliwc.com. Don’t delay – this event is sure to sell out quickly!

On a final note, we have a few opportunities available for people who are interested in becoming part of our team and family here at Camp Good Days. We currently have two positions open, including Finance Director and Social Media Manager. Complete job descriptions for these positions are available on our website, www.campgooddays.org, under the employment section. If you are interested or know of someone that might make a great addition to our small paid staff, please have them submit their letter of interest and resume.

If you are in the Rochester area and out and about for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, stop down and see some of our Camp Good Days’ staff and volunteers at the TOPS Celtic Faire at the Radisson Hotel. Special thanks to Kathleen Graim and TOPS for once again choosing the children and families at Camp Good Days as the beneficiary of the Celtic Faire!

Wishing all of you a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day weekend!