Care Camps announced fundraising efforts during Kampgrounds of America’s (KOA) Annual Convention in November raised $221,774 for the organization.
Care Camps is a national nonprofit organization that funds pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada. Their mission is to bring the healing power of community and the outdoors to children living with cancer and their families.
Care Camps’ legacy began 39 years ago by a caring group of KOA campground owners who began fundraising to support local pediatric oncology camps. Today, KOA and KOA campgrounds collectively continue to be Care Camps largest donor and this year alone have raised over one million dollars in addition to the convention total, KOA said.
“We are deeply grateful for KOA’s legacy partnership,” said Gwynn Sullivan, Care Camps executive director. “They ignited our charity from the grassroots and have remained steadfast and committed in their support in many ways beyond monetarily. The opportunity to celebrate our partnership at their Annual Convention is one of the highlights of our year.”
Fundraising initiatives at this year’s KOA Convention included raffle ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and a dinner celebration. The most popular live auction item was a “Meet Me in Montana” package generously donated by the KOA executive team. Winning bidders rallied a total of $52,000 for the opportunity to have a personalized tour of the new KOA headquarters in Billings, Montana, a catered dinner with the KOA executive team and the opportunity to participate in their “Fore the Kids” annual golf tournament fundraiser for Care Camps that will be held Sept. 16, 2024.
“KOA truly understands the value of connecting people to the outdoors. And for children living with cancer, it’s a gift that keeps on giving,” Sullivan said. “Their camp experience gives these children an experience that has a lasting impact on their lives as well as their family and many more.”
In 2023, Care Camps funded over 120 pediatric oncology camps across the U.S. and Canada. Together the camps provided hundreds of programs that touch the lives of thousands of children living with cancer, and their families. Learn more at carecamps.org.
