Enhancing the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through recreation, socialization and life skills education.
CampBlueSkies.org
Camp Blue Skies Partners With WSA For New Camp
SUMMER 2016
LONG-TERM COLLEGE CONNECTIONS OFFER CREDIT, BUILD COMMUNITY Each year, dozens of college students volunteer with Camp Blue Skies.
A note from Dick Sesler, founder In March 2017, Camp Blue Skies and Williams Syndrome Association will host a new camp for individuals 21 and older who have Williams Syndrome. The March 20-24 session is at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, GA.
Our longest relationship is with Georgia Southern University, where students, under the guidance of Drs. Jerri Kropp and Brent Wolfe, have become part of our DNA at Camp Twin Lakes. Often, students will volunteer after graduation. Here’s a look at other higher education connections with a significant impact on our success:
I couldn’t be prouder to share this news with you. My son, Brent, who has Williams Syndrome, inspired me to create Camp Blue Skies. WSA approached us after its camp for adults became unavailable. Our board and team agreed it was an opportunity we should pursue. The new session will feature more music programming along with our traditional activities. Kit, Crystal and I attended the WSA Convention recently to talk about the new camp. The response was incredible! For more information or to volunteer, visit CampBlueSkies.org. We will continue to hold sessions for adults with developmental disabilities. Join us in celebrating bringing Camp Blue Skies to even more people!
University of Georgia School of Pharmacy Along with medicine fulfillment and often serving as day volunteers, Dr. Trina von Waldner and students get education time with nurses to better our practices.
UNC-Charlotte Dr. Anita Blanchard (right) compiles and tracks survey results. Tyler Thomas, a doctoral student, is leading a project to improve our Hoops For Camp fundraiser.
Eschelman School of Pharmacy at UNC-Asheville Organized by Dr. Charlene Williams, students help with check-in and prepare medicines for the week. Some become day volunteers.
Harvard Business School In 2012, John Phillips and his classmates chose Camp Blue Skies for a Digital Marketing class project. The results helped guide our communications strategy.
Wingate University School of Pharmacy at Hendersonville In an interview on BlueRidgeNow.com, Dr. Bobbie Williamson said camp “exposes students to a unique patient population that they may not frequently encounter.”
Welcome, New Board Members! As our foundation grows, our Board of Directors is transitioning from a “Founders” board to a communitybased board. The board has always been a mix of people engaged, whether through work or volunteering, with adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Two founding members, John Barry and Jade Carter, completed their terms this spring. We are forever grateful for their service. Camp Blue Skies would not be where it is without their valuable guidance, time, and dedication to our mission. In May, the foundation welcomed four new board members with a variety of business and nonprofit experiences:
Rob Aulebach is a retired Bank of America executive. His son, Mark, attends camp.
Jon Beall works in commercial real estate at RED Partners. Jon is a long-time volunteer and supporter. He is co-chair of our Ambassadors group in Charlotte.
Christy Wade is a director of Financial Services, People & Organization at PricewaterhouseCooper. She and her husband, Collin, are long-time volunteers and supporters. She is co-chair of our Ambassadors group in Charlotte.
John Williams is President and Chief Executive Officer of Domtar, a leading manufacturer of paper and personal care products.
We look forward to their ideas and input for helping Camp Blue Skies continue to grow.
Domtar Sponsors Oct. 1-5 Session Camp Blue Skies is pleased to announce Domtar will sponsor the Oct. 1-5 session in North Carolina. The company’s $50,000 contribution is the first ever Camp Partner sponsorship for Camp Blue Skies. “Domtar has a rich history of charitable giving and volunteering and has supported Camp Blue Skies over the last few years,” says founder Dick Sesler. “As we considered corporations who might make excellent camp partners, Domtar was at the top of the list.” Domtar is a leading provider of a wide variety of fiber-based products including
communication, specialty and packaging papers, market pulp and absorbent hygiene products. With approximately 9,850 employees serving more than 50 countries around the world, Domtar’s principal executive office is in Fort Mill, SC. “It is an honor to work with the company and its CEO, John Williams,” says Sesler. “Besides the financial support, we’re hoping to see Domtar employees at Camp Harrison!” If you see a Domtar volunteer during camp, give them a high-five and say “Thanks!”
“Domtar has a rich history of charitable giving and volunteering and has supported Camp Blue Skies over the last few years.”
josh
Hooked On Camp Fishing Derby Sept. 29-30 Something special is happening with this year’s Hooked On Camp Fishing Derby at YMCA Camp Harrison. For the first time ever, the fundraiser is right before the opening of Camp Blue Skies-NC Session 1 (Oct. 1-5). Hooked On Camp offers anglers the exclusive opportunity to fish on Lake
Broyhill, a pristine, 140-acre lake teeming with largemouth bass and bream at Camp Harrison. It is one of two public derbies held annually. The Derby is limited to 20 anglers. Professional guides take two anglers per boat. The guides donate their time, boat, gas and tackle.
Interested in signing up for a boat for yourself and friends or for your company? Email Leighann Swanson: Leighann@CampBlueSkies.org.
Circle of Love - Our Volunteers Our Circle of Love comprises the dedicated persons who have recently given their time, love and support – all priceless gifts. Camp Blue SkiesGeorgia 2016 Rob Aulebach Max Barron Amanda Bastien Jon Beall Caitlyn Behling Morgan Bland Cay Collier Michael Coulter Kady Crump Roger Currier Cecilia Evans Megan Fromme Brooke Gallman Courtney Garrett Caroline Greene Carrie Guerrette Jim Guimond Wendy Hall Mo Herrington Sarah Holmes
Emily Howell Wes Imundo Paul Ingle Jeanhie Kim Sarah Kohrumel Dr. Jerri Kropp Abbey LaMee Jessie Lehmann John Lenhart Tammy Lynn Molly McLaughlin Mike Molinari Madison Monk Darren Monsanto Justin Moore Pat Murphy Thomas Nguyen Jordan Nourse Ashni Patel Asha Patel Haley Polane Amanda Pritchard
5-YEAR VOLUNTEERS: Receiving their pins for five years of volunteering at Camp Blue SkiesGeorgia were (l-r, above) Darren Monsanto, Caroline Greene, Sandy Weaver, and Paul Ingle. Also celebrating five years of service were Emily Rogers (bottom) and Amanda Bastien. Debby Rea Michael Robinson Emily Rogers Dan Ryan Kace Saint-Cyr Mike Sartin Key Showman Cameron Sizemore Jackson Smith
Campers, Ambassadors Attend Charlotte Knights Game Campers, volunteers and guests attended a Charlotte Knights game May 1 at BB&T Ballpark. The outing, which included a picnic, was organized by our Ambassadors, a Charlotte-based group of Camp Blue Skies supporters. BB&T once again generously sponsored the event. A total of 70 people attended and received a souvenir T-shirt. Camper Jillian Bockenek threw out the first pitch and posed for a photo with Homer the Dragon, the Knights’ mascot. During the game, Homer visited our group in the picnic area to meet everyone. Special thanks to BB&T for their sponsorship, the Charlotte Knights staff, Ambassador Cristy Nine for leading the project, and Joe Ross for taking photos. Want to get involved with the Ambassadors? Email Amy@CampBlueSkies.org.
Kristi St.Clair Julia Stewart Dan Sturzenbecker Erica Teilhaber Lexi Theuring Stephanie Tirado Steffi Tschoeke Molly Volden Dr. Trina von Waldner
Jacqueline Wabler Sandy Weaver Karlie Weaver Dr. Brent Wolfe Mary Rose Ziemba
5 WAYS TO SUPPORT CAMP BLUE SKIES Volunteer for camp Sign up for all five days, a few days or a day! Opportunities include cabin counselors, program assistants and medical professionals (nurse, doctors, pharmacists). Make a donation Camper fees only cover a third of actual cost per camper. Donate online or call us to discuss giving opportunities. Also, ask if your workplace will match your gift. Spread the word Dick often says we all know someone who would benefit from camp. Tell your family, friends, book club, and golfing buddies. Book a speaker We’re available to speak at meetings, gatherings, lunches at work, or your house of worship. Make your shopping do some good AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of eligible Amazon.com purchases. To connect your account, search “Amazon Smile” and then search for “Camp Blue Skies Foundation.” Also, check out our wish list by searching for "Camp Blue Skies Foundation." Email Contact@CampBlueSkies.org for more info.
Thank You to Our Recent Donors Many thanks to all organizations and individuals who provide financial and in-kind support for the work of Camp Blue Skies. This list reflects donations from Jan. 8 through May 31, 2016. Blue Skies ($5,000+) Domtar Industries Kathy and Jake Jacobson John and Mary Franklin Foundation The Merancas Foundation Zipliners ($1,000 - $4,999) Robert and Gwen Dalton Elizabeth Gordon Walter and Libba Sprunt Allan and Bonnie Sweet Dude Ranchers ($500 - $999) Greg and Betsy Blinn Eric and Martha Eubank Kathy and Phil Fankhauser Al and Lil McAulay George and Paula Moore Bob Perkowitz and Lisa Renstrom Joe and Rosalind Taylor Brad and Rebecca Weprin Cabin Mates ($250 - $499) Bank of America Foundation James Blecke William Brady Matt Durso Brock and Nicole Fankhauser John and Shelly Kacergis Liberty Mutual Tim Robertson Mike Strawn Helping Hands (up to $249) Christopher Alexis Emily Allen Erin Allen William Allen Allstate Foundation Alpha Delta Pi of Georgia Southern University Jill Ammerman Scott Anderson Chris Andrews Woody and Adria Appleby Jenna Arthur Jim Ashcroft Susan and Robert Aulebach Bruce and Alex Bacon Wilson Bacon Burke Barbee Gwen Barr Bradford and Alison Barry Brad Barth Tim Bartolomeo Brenden Bass Jonathan Beall Tom Beaty Carol Beehler Keith Bell Scott Bengel Erskine Betts
Mark Bisson Robyn Bitner Anita Blanchard Eric Blinn Jim and Susan Blinn Melissa Bocchino Derek and Katie Bongard Laura Borders Bob and Marilynn Bowler Robert Boyette Robert Boyle Whitney Brackett Patrice Bradbury April Bradley Maria Brady Jeremy and Anne Braidish MK Brennan Tim and Maggie Brennan Zoe Brennan Andrew and Christy Brock Craig Brondyke Catherine Brown Kristen Brown Phillip Brown Edward Brynn James Buchanan Patricia Bullington Rob and Donna Burdick Jamie Burke Walter Burke Karen McKeel Calby Edward Calhoun Christopher Cannon Brian and Dea Canova Brittany Carleton Jeff Carr Gay Cass James and Dede Caughman Anitra Chapman Matthew Cheek Copeland Cherry Ed and Kim Cherry John Christenbury Brad Clark Conor Clougherty Maggie Clougherty Jay Cohen John Connelly Tracy Connor Rachel Cooley Cathey Cooper Wayne Cooper Mike Coulter Stephen Covington Grant Cox Dalton and Ashley Cox Liza Cox Tom and Millie Cox Charles Craighill Mary Crane Gail Craven Court Creeden Sarah Cross Tom Crowe Heather Curlee William Czupryna
Dave Dabson Susan Daniel Will Daniell Steven Dansereau Devin Darcangelo Shawn Darr Diane Davis Ward and Kristy Davis Andrew DeLamielleure Ernie Dehnert Daniel DelaCruz Scott Delmar Anuj Dhir Jean Dietrich Lilian Dillard Dan Dillon Daniel Diluzio Cheryl Dobbins Kara Dominguez Mike Dominy Bob Dowen Florence Downes Adam Dretler Paul Drobnitch Debra Duggan Sanford Duitz Duke Energy Foundation Lisa Dunavin Francie Dunlap Jeremy Dunn Joe Durante Allan Eayrs Freddy Emberger Lex and Amy Erwin Mary Eshet Steve and Janice Ezzo Talia Fann Brad Farris Jessica Faulkner Allison Fellows Adam Fiorenza Susan Fisher Adam Fishman Brian and Laurie Fitzpatrick Marc Folladori Kevin Fossum Murray and Frances Fugate Reggie Gaither Kelli Garca Zanne Garland Danny Gassaway Kevin Gassaway Megan Gassaway Steve and Michelle Gassaway Christopher Gaumnitz Paul Getchell Miller Getz Gardner Gibson Tim Gilbertsen Greg Goforth Stefanie Goldberg Jason Goldy Karen Golembeski
Bracket Challenge Raises $35,552 Camp Blue Skies received 475 donations and folks completed 539 brackets for Hoops For Camp 2016 NCAA Bracket Challenge. The Leon Levine Foundation challenged us to raise $10,000 in new donations for a generous matching gift. Thanks to you and The Leon Levine Foundation, Hoops for Camp 2016 raised a total of $35,552! Four players and two team captains won vacations to the Caribbean, donated by Elite Island Resorts. The winners of the three Grand Prize trips: Brent Smith of Team Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Julia Wermerskirchen of Team Collin & Christy
Wade, Melissa Mencer Bocchino of Team PwC
Carolinas Advisory. This year, nine corporations chose to run their office NCAA brackets through Hoops For Camp with a simple idea – build camaraderie while doing good. Thanks to the 188 corporate players who contributed $4,878. The 2016 Corporate Teams: AllState, Beacon Partners, Cushman & Wakefield, Davis Moore, MassMutual Carolinas, Piedmont Office Realty Trust, PricewaterhouseCoopers Carolina Advisory, PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Services People & Organization, and Sperry Van Ness. While companies chose to offer internal incentives for participation, any corporate team player – regardless of rank – was entered into a drawing for a trip from Elite Island Resorts. Rebecca Miles of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, whose bracket was 416 out of 539, was randomly selected as our Corporate Participant Winner. Team captains who won Caribbean trips: Captains with Most New Money Raised: Collin and Christy Wade; Captain with Most Money Raised: Ryan Stoffer. Enjoy those trips! Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Thomas and Kathy Golembeski Missy Goodrich Zach Goodyear Lori Gougeon Wade Grace Brett Gray Rusty Gray Stacy Gray Britney Greenwood Scott Greig Brent Gribble Brian Gribble Rex and Nancy Gribble Jim Guimond Randy Habluetzel Anne Haltiwanger T. Patrick Hammeke Janice Hardy Jimbo Harrell Mike Harrell Becky Harris James Harris Michael Harris Jennifer Harrison John Hartnett JJ Hay Mary Hay John Healy Abby Hedges Kelly Hevener Kathy Hibbitts Chris Hicks Kelly High Rebecca Hilinski Natasha Hillesheim Patrick Hogan Pam Holloway Greta Holmes Alexandra Hom David Hoppe Zachary Horowitz Patricia Hott Ellen Houpt Nat Howard Carin Hudson Kerry Hughes Mary Kate Hughes Andrew Hundertmark Scott Hundertmark Gabrielle Hunter Kelly Hurtik Jason Hyman Peter James Sallie Jarosz Meredith Jeffries Anne Johnson Christine Johnson Samuel Johnson
Jay Johnston Mona Jolly Derek Jones Phillip and Kenna Jordan Rayyan Kamal Mike Kavanagh Sean Kehoe Susan and Don Kemp Jim Kenney Grant Keyes Justin Keziah Beth Khan Julie Kinnavy Donna & Doug Knowlton Peter Koch Jon Kole Eloise LaHorgue Scott Ladner Andrew Laing John Lamb Julia Lamm Jeannie Lampo Pete Lash Rebecca Lassiter Denise Lawless Walter Leach, Jr. Debra Leist Charles Leonard Chris Leonard Drew Leonard Kelly Lew Boyd Lewis Mathew Lewis Fanny Lineberger Bruce Logue Mike Lotterhos Alan Love Matthew Lucarelli Eric Machemer Paul Magnuson Sean Maher Jayson Mamaclay Steven Martinek Antonio Martinez Britten Mathews Brian Matthews Sloane Mayberry Angus McBryde Jim McDermott Brian McFadden Dean McFadden Meredith McGough Lisa McIntyre Tom McKean Phillip McLamb Zachary McLaren Tom McMahon J.D. McNeill Bill and Sally McNitt
Lance McSwain Andrew McWilliams Rory Melick Nick Mellott Preston Menning Steven Meyer Veronica Marlo Michaeli Jennifer Miles Rebecca Miles Christine Miller Damian Miller Donald Miller Jeff Miller Monica Miller Nick Miller Bill and Amy Millikan Bob and Joy Millikan Joel and Bonnie Millikan Jay Mitchener John and Lauren Monroe Tim Monroe Mark Moore Kevin Moran Melissa Morin John Bruce Morrill Gray Morris Zach Moskowitz Kenneth Mulrane Bobby and Colby Murphy Donna Murphy Pat Murphy Steve Nanney Karen Neill Matt Newsom Cristy Nine Thomas Nisbet Stephen Norman Chad Nusbaum Coley O'Donnell Kelly O'Donoghue Joseph Pangburn Kyle Panther Court and Devon Parker Matt Parker Ruth Partlow Doug L Pennington Christopher Petrik Kirsten Pittman Mike Pizzo Kelly Plott Paige Polhill Chris Poppell Scarlet W Powell Tom Prescott Ryan Preston Brian Pritchard Mary Lou Rahn Nathan and Mary Rantala Amy Ravenelle Blake Rawlins Brian Rayhack Bo Reddic Seth Redfield Eric Reed James and Kristen Reed Mark Reeder Mason Reeder Pamela Reeder Brent Reel Andrew Reenstra Seth and Susan Reicher Jack Rhodes Randy Rice
Brian Richards Charles Ripple Louis Robards Faith Roberts Erin Romeiser Ben Rose Kerry Rose Mary Rose Andrew Ross Charlotte Ross Joe Ross Jonathan Jeffrey Ross Billy Royal Kelly Ruiz James and Liz Rumbaugh Kelly Sackett Annette Salazar John Samoska Scott Sanfilippo Steve and Tobie Sasser Bill Schell Caley Scheppegrell Chris and Holly Scheppegrell Christopher Schmitt William Schmitt Joseph Scroggins Stephanie Scurlock Tim Shaughnessy Doug and Tracy Sheffield Eric Sheridan Sean Shields Vince Simonetti John Siverling Jake Sixour Bennett Skinner David Skinner Betty Slevin Brent Smith Ellen Smith Van Smith Doug Smith Beau Snuggs Rick Spiller Alex Spira-Gutner Michael Springer Christie Sproles Erica Starkey Sonja Stetzler Ryan Stoffer Wil Stone Catherine Stout Stephanie Striepeck Tom and KC Strohbehn John Stubbs Andrew Sullivan Catherine Sullivan Charles and Leighann Swanson Peter Tanneberger Courtland Thomas Tamyra Thomas Blair Thompson Frances Thompson Latrice Thompson David Tibbals Mary and John Tinkey Joshua Trammell John Turner Kenny Turner Dawn Tyler Kurt Tyler Lisa Tyler
Chad Utermark Mike Vaccaro Alyssa Valdez Alex Valente Kristy Venning Christine Vogt Vicki Vogt-Smith Sabina Vuolo Barry and Karen Wabler Collin and Christy Wade Conner Wade Harper Wade Tommy and Connie Wade Kurt Waldthausen Daniel L Ward Kirk and Liz Ward Kellee Watson Sandy Weaver Noel Weeks John Wehmeyer Michael Wellman George Wells Julia Wermerskirchen Kimberly West Paul West Bob and Laura Wiberg Scott Wildrick John Wilkins Keith Willby Christianna Williams Dillard Williams Jennifer Williams Kevin Williams Kristin Williams Joel Williamson Kim Wilson Andrew Winchester Laurie Winston Robert Wise Colton Witherspoon Jaysen and Ashley Witherspoon Sandra and Jim Woolsey Ida Wozniak Jason Wren Fran Wright Scott Yamanashi Lauren Zavodny James Ziel Marilyn Zilka Rob and Susan Zink Jean Zoutewelle
1101 Queens Road West Charlotte, NC 28207
NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 2663 CHARLOTTE, NC
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KEY FALL 2016 DATES Hooked On Camp Fishing Derby: Sept. 29-30 NC Session 1: Oct. 1-5 NC Session 2: Oct. 8-12
KEY SPRING 2017 DATES Hoops For Camp NCAA Bracket Challenge: March 12 Georgia Session: March 13-17 Williams Syndrome Session: March 20-24
CONTACT INFO 704-266-2267 CampBlueSkies.org Contact@CampBlueSkies.org Facebook.com/CampBlueSkiesUSA Twitter.com/CampBlueSkies Instagram.com/CampBlueSkies