News

Rolling River raises funds

Big piggy banks — bigger hearts!

Posted

Campers and staff at Rolling River Day Camp in East Rockaway emptied their pockets recently to raise money for the camp’s second annual Coin Harvest Fundraiser. From July 19 to July 22, giant blue piggy banks were placed around the Rolling River campus and served as drop-off stations for campers to donate their spare change. The campers and staff raised hundreds of dollars — which will be matched by Rolling River to support two charitable causes.

Funds raised through the Coin Harvest will be divided between The Campmates Program™, Rolling River’s camp scholarship fund, and The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island.

“Both programs are meaningful to Rolling River families since they assist Long Island children,” said Mark Goodman, owner/director of Rolling River Day Camp. “Teaching our campers how even a small gesture of kindness can help other kids is one of the best lessons they can learn at camp.”

Launched in 2010, The Campmates Program™ awards tuition-free camp scholarships to children associated with Peninsula Counseling Center in Valley Stream. The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island (RMH-LI), located in New Hyde Park, serves as a “home-away-from-home” for the parents and siblings of sick children admitted to local hospitals.

On August 15, Rolling River’s 9th and 10th- grade campers will personally deliver the funds to RMH-LI as well as volunteer their time to bake desserts for residents of the house. “Rolling River’s gift will help to reduce one more burden for these overwhelmed families,” says Matthew Campo, executive director of RMH-LI. This year’s Coin Harvest coincided with the American Camp Association’s “Making a Difference” Week of community service. The week of service was initiated to honor 150 years of camp and its positive impacts on millions of children, youth and adults.