MercerKOA Care Camps has named Jennifer Mercer, a professional fundraising and marketing executive, as its first director of development.
KOA Care Camps provides funding to more than 135 oncology camps nationwide, sending thousands of children with cancer and their families on summer-camp-style adventures. While there they are able have the same fun and friendship opportunities other kids take for granted, including swimming, hiking, and singing around the campfire.
“It’s a great joy to see children who are enduring so much get a rare chance to just be regular kids,” said Mercer. “I’m committed to partnering with generous donors, companies and philanthropic organizations to give every deserving kid the chance to attend a Care Camp. It’s gratifying to see the satisfaction our benefactors gain when they understand the significant impact they can make by joining with us in this work.”
“Unfortunately, the need for support for oncology camps nationwide outweighs the available resources, and many children have been turned away due to the lack of funding” said Karen McAndrew, executive director of KOA Care Camps. “The strategic move of our board to hire a director of development will help us maintain consistency in the marketplace, build stronger relationships with our partners, and ensure that any child who has a desire to experience the healing nature of camping has the opportunity.”
Prior to joining KOA Care Camps, Mercer worked as a strategic business and marketing consultant for corporations and non-profits around the region. She also filled in as a host for a TV segment, “Montana Matters,” spotlighting Montana businesses and nonprofits for a CBS affiliate KTVQ in Montana. She also served as executive director of The Historic Billings Depot. She established a series of profit-generating fundraising events and earned the venue numerous accolades. After graduating from Montana State University-Billings, she worked in the pharmaceutical sales arena for almost a decade.
At KOA Care Camps, Mercer will be responsible for working with corporate partners and individual philanthropists around the U.S. and Canada to provide opportunities for corporate giving and private philanthropy to meet the increasing financial need. As more companies seek ways to give back and be good corporate citizens, organizations like KOA Care Camps connect them with the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of children dealing with cancer.
