Camp Korey's Mission Statement
To honor the courage, strength and determination of children and their families living with life-altering medical conditions by providing them with a transformational experience in a fun, safe camp environment with specialized medical support.
Over 500 folks attended Camp Korey's 10th Annual Prescription Laughter luncheon on Monday in Bellevue to celebrate the camp's transformative mission. As many of you know there is much to do with the new Mt. Vernon property, purchased in September of 2016. Modifications are under way to host campers again this summer, the first summer camp in the new home. But, those are modifications. In order to really serve more campers in the future, a new health and recreation center needs to be built along with cabins to house the campers in a setting that really says "we're at camp, guys!"
So Bellevue came out this past Monday, 500 generous committed folks to share lunch and hear more about the mission, the plans and meet some of the special people and campers who inspire my husband and me to be a part of this wonderful camp.
Paige Mackintosh kicked things off with her story about living with Cranial-facial dysplasia and growing up with Camp Korey - from counselor to now, an actual Camp Korey employee. This was followed by a special trailer of "Wonder", a film about the challenges a boy (and his family) have mainstreaminginto schools and life. Thank you Lionsgate not only for the film clip but for providing all lunch guests with their very own copy of this incredible movie.Incredibly moving.
Makenna Schwab and Cassidy Huff, were next on the agenda. These young campers met a few years back and now BFFS, were warm and lovely, sharing in their own words how camp has transformed their lives and truly does helps kids with serious health issues develop and live better lives. Makenna, a.k.a. "Mak" has raised $47,000 for the camp's new health center from her home town of Wenatchee. She even has her own foundation, "Makspire"! Check out her website www.makspire.com, tag line "Kids Helping Kids"! BFF Cassidy, joined by entertainer Jessica Skerrit, treated us to a touching and powerful duet of "Part of Your World" from Little Mermaid. As I sat with goosebumps listening and absorbing it all, the nurse sitting next to me shared that she first met these incredible teens a few years back. She shared that the people they are now is nothing in comparison to the more reserved children they were then. Truly a testament to what a life changing experience camp can be for a special needs child.
Finally, a special shout out to Lisa Rowland and Suzan Chavez, who co-Chaired the event and did an amazing job of orchestrating the luncheon and captivating speakers. Corporate, family and table sponsors, generous as always, made this lunch possible. Glassy Baby, was there in spades with a special Camp Korey votive and shared proceeds from sales made that day. Luncheon guests, moved by our special camper's "can do attitude" generously donated a few hundred thousand dollars. Well done!
If you too are moved by the mission and the possibilities, please check out the website to see how you might get involved... http://campkorey.org/