According Camp Summit Marketing and Public Relations Manager Abbey Cumnock,
“By participating in North Texas Giving Day since it began, in 2009, Camp Summit has raised over $230,000 for kids and adults with special needs. This generous support has made it possible for an additional 536 individuals to enjoy a unique week of camp, at our barrier-free campground.
“’We’ve watched the momentum and community support grow each year, from raising $17,000 in the first year, to over $90,000 in 2020. We’d never be able to raise these kinds of funds in one day without the help of the Communities Foundation of Texas and our generous North Texas Giving Day donors. They make camp possible!’ explained CEO of Camp Summit Carla Weiland.
“In a typical year, we serve over 2,500 campers and their families throughout all programs, and 1,900 in week-long sessions. For 2021 we had to reduce our capacity due to COVID, but plan to return to full capacity in 2022. Last year presented us all with many firsts and unknowns. But Camp Summit handled the pandemic the best way we know how – we adapted! Our remarkable campers stayed connected with us through a full line-up of virtual programs, Zoom events, and even a few camp-to-your-door programs. As an agency, we called upon our strong partnerships and individuals in the community and received overwhelming support, flexibility, and encouragement as we weathered the storm. This included record breaking donations given through Giving Tuesday Now and North Texas Giving Day.
“Camp Summit has already seen a greater need from our campers and their families. Camper families who lost jobs or had their incomes reduced during the pandemic are now facing tremendous economic pressures, and new challenges for caring for their loved one with a disability. We know this will continue to impact the amount needed to fully support our Campership and Financial Assistant Project. With special needs, comes special costs. Camp Summit never turns a camper away due to their inability to pay. In fact, 90% of our camper’s request and receive financial assistance to come to camp through our sliding scale fee and scholarships every year. Donations made on North Texas Giving Day support the needs of our campers.
“Help keep the tradition of camp alive so no individual with a disability misses camp by donating through North Texas Giving Day on Thursday, September 23. The first $25,000 donated will be matched by the Soroptimist Dallas Fund of The Dallas Foundation.”
* Photo provided by Abbey Cumnock ** Graphic provided by Camp Summit *** Photo credit: Alyssa Hewitt
In 12 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $375 million into the North Texas community. In 2020, more than $58.8 million was raised through more than 106,000 donors benefiting over 3,200 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 23, support Camp Summit by linking here and spreading the word. #NTxGivingDay