By TAYLOR HARTZSTAFF WRITER Smokin’ with Chris on West Center St. is hosting a buffet style charity night to benefit YMCA Camp Sloper’s efforts to provide children with scholarships for summer camp. All proceeds from each $25 ticket will go directly to Camp Sloper scholarship funds and will earn attendees a barbeque feast accompanied by the entertainment of a live band. Camp Sloper welcomed nearly 1,300 campers last year, ten-percent of whom qualified for a scholarship to finance the two-week session, averaging $400 per camper. The day camp gave scholarships to 115 campers who demonstrated financial need, providing over fifty-thousand dollars in financial assistance in 2014. YMCA Community Development Coordinator Donna Ayer explained that the scholarship initiative is inspired by the YMCA’s mission for equality. In addition to helping kids be active outdoors and create lasting memories with friends, Ayer emphasized that Camp Sloper strives to make the experience “a level playing field for all kids.” She said the camp focuses on helping kids with all abilities, needs and socioeconomic backgrounds experience new activities together. “I think it is important for kids of all economic backgrounds to experience just being a kid outdoors at camp” said Ayer. In addition to benefiting […]
By TAYLOR HARTZSTAFF WRITER Smokin’ with Chris on West Center St. is hosting a buffet style charity night to benefit YMCA Camp Sloper’s efforts to provide children with scholarships for summer camp. All proceeds from each $25 ticket will go directly to Camp Sloper scholarship funds and will earn attendees a barbeque feast accompanied by the entertainment of a live band. Camp Sloper welcomed nearly 1,300 campers last year, ten-percent of whom qualified for a scholarship to finance the two-week session, averaging $400 per camper. The day camp gave scholarships to 115 campers who demonstrated financial need, providing over fifty-thousand dollars in financial assistance in 2014. YMCA Community Development Coordinator Donna Ayer explained that the scholarship initiative is inspired by the YMCA’s mission for equality. In addition to helping kids be active outdoors and create lasting memories with friends, Ayer emphasized that Camp Sloper strives to make the experience “a level playing field for all kids.” She said the camp focuses on helping kids with all abilities, needs and socioeconomic backgrounds experience new activities together. “I think it is important for kids of all economic backgrounds to experience just being a kid outdoors at camp” said Ayer. In addition to benefiting […]