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from here. Raise a little hell.” Alwaysshort and sweet, but remarkablywise. He empowered and trustedothers to do their jobs, and in doingso inspired an army of staff andcolleagues who were just asferociously committed because weall had a share in the success of hisdream. That’s brilliant leadership.
He remained passionatelyinvolved at Camp, whether ours inConnecticut or sibling campsaround the country and the world.What sheer delight the stories ofthe camps’ successes would bringto him. Smiles, quiet gestures ofthanks, hugs and pumped fistswould often be an indicator of hisjoy. And I think part of that joycame from stepping away andwatching the hands and hearts ofhundreds of other people take uphis dream and charge ahead. Thesatisfaction that he experienced isless possible for leaders andfounders who cannot step back.
But Paul was human after all andthere was one instance when Iwitnessed him succumb to the
unyielding control of a founder. Wewere celebrating the grand openingof a new feature at Camp, theworld’s largest wheelchairaccessible tree house. He was giddywhen he stepped out of the car,with a package under his arm.“Canton,” he said to me, “what doyou say we fly this from the top ofthe tree house.” He opened thepackage to reveal a huge, blackpirate flag, complete with skull andcross bones. I didn’t want todampen his enthusiasm, but foundit a little unsettling to have thisimage of death at a camp forseriously ill children. So I suggestedwe paint a colorful cowboy hat onthe skull or add a bandanna. Seeingthe dismay in his eyes, I said, “Well,just think about it.” His responsecame immediately, “I just did. Let’sput it up.” And that flag, unaltered,has flown over the tree house forthe past five years, to the delight ofevery camper who ascends to thetop by foot or wheelchair.
All of us affiliated with Camp sharea deep sadness right now. We knowwe will never be the same withoutPaul’s remarkable guiding spirit.
However, there is a much strongerfeeling that rises to the surface:profound gratitude for knowing himand being inspired by his examplesof compassion, humility, loyalty,mischief and leadership.
This past year was Camp’s 20thAnniversary. We served a recordnumber of summer campers –1,055 – and a record number ofchildren – 15,000 – through ourprograms during the year.
Thank you for believing in thedream that our founder imaginedmore than 20 years ago. Yoursupport as volunteers, donors andwell wishers has brought healingand comfort to thousands ofchildren – not just in Connecticut,but around the world. Paul’s dreamis alive and in our hands. Pleasehelp us continue to make his visiona reality.
(Portions of this article originallyappeared in The New Haven Register,October 2, 2008.)
G A Z E T T E
In the weeks since his passing,people all over the world haveshared wonderful stories aboutPaul. He was an extraordinary actor,philanthropist, humanitarian,visionary and racecar driver, as wellas a devoted husband, father andgrandfather. He was a tirelessexample of doing right, allowingothers to see in him the qualitiesthey would like to develop inthemselves.
There is another attribute,however, that we were privileged towitness over the past twenty years atCamp that most of his admirersnever saw. Founder’s Syndrome is thephenomenon that prevents foundersof organizations from allowing forthe continued growth of ideas thatwere born from their own creativity.Paul had not a shred of it.
I should have expected no lessafter hearing his toast to the staffthat very first summer Camp wasopened. It was the night before thefirst seriously ill children arrived. Hewent to the head of the dining hall,raised his glass, and said to the staff,“I’ve taken it this far, you take it
Fall 2008
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
Our Friend and Founder, Paul NewmanBy James H. Canton, Chief Executive Officer
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Paul Newman is our founder and guiding light. He is irreplaceable, but he has left us
with a clear vision. He believed profoundly that we all have an obligation to help others
and that there is great joy in so doing. He accomplished so much in his all too brief life
and he has now passed the torch on to all of us to carry on. There is much to be done.
Let us all recommit ourselves to follow his example. Newman believed in “having fun
and raising a little hell” but he always put his service to others as his first priority. If we
follow his example, we will do our part in preserving and growing his legacy.
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Thank you, Paul Newman
Splashdown! At the heart of Campoverlooking Pearson Pond lies anexpansive swimming poolcomplete with newly created “zero-entry” capacity; expanded shallowend for lots of pool-hoops, Marco-Polo games, snorkeling and swooshball; and new bathhouses for boysand girls. More campers than everpiled into Camp’s newly renovatedswimming pool warmly named“Charlie’s Pool” this summer.
“The new, zero-entry formatenables children to access the waterunder their own power and at theirown pace,” says Jimmy Canton,Chief Executive Officer. “It’s one ofthe most popular and attractiveprogram areas at Camp.”
The improvements of access andexpanded swimming space –approximately 25% greater – makefor more inclusive group activities.The modifications also allowcampers to enjoy the pool as theyfeel most comfortable. We aredeeply grateful to the Charles P.Ferro Foundation for the gift of the new pool and the Ames Family Foundation for that of thenew bathhouses.
Making a
at Camp
There’s nothing like the pool on a hot summer day at Camp! Zero-entry means that all can swim and play at their own pace.
The Ferro family and Foundation members prepare for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Charlie’s Pool.
Splash
Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Board Chairman Raymond Lamontagne.Photo by Bryan Haeffele.
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2008 – Another Spectacular Summer!By J. Michael “Mike” Smiles
Camp MagicBy Cora Weed
Each summer, Chief Development Officer Mike Smiles volunteers for a session at Camp. And, eachsummer, he comes away from that experience full of fresh enthusiasm for the Camp’s mission ofsupporting children and families. Here, he shares with us a glimpse of his 2008 Camp experience.
Camp games are just as amazing.One day, our unit played “MineField” along the wheelchair-accessible nature trail. This team-focused game was engaging enoughto hold the attention of our oldestcampers, yet managed so thatyoungsters in wheelchairs couldparticipate equally with the others.We recounted their achievement ata cookout that evening.
The cookout and bonfire are alwaysspecial events. We enjoyedhamburgers, hot dogs and s’moresaround the fire, followed by Campsongs. Many of the older campersknew the words to “Stars in the Sky”– a signature Hole in the Wall song –by heart, having sung it now for threeor more summers in a row. Many ofour campers live in urban settings, soan evening in the woods by thecampfire is indeed memorable. Often,this peak experience features anovernight camping adventure,weather permitting.
The excitement of Stage Night isalmost palpable as each campershows off their own special talent.The older campers help organizethe evening and perform togetherat the end. This particular Stage
This past summer, I was avolunteer counselor at Session 7,one of our general sessions. Thecampers in our cabin were olderboys, aged 14 and 15, eight youthin all – two in wheelchairs and allbut one on active treatment.
Camp is especially poignant forthese senior campers who knowthey will soon exceed our age limitof 15. Their experience isheightened by memories of pastsummers at Camp and an interest instrengthening the bonds offriendship that will sustain theminto the future.
Camper Jorge is a huge Yankees fan.Thanks to “Charlie’s Pool,” newlybuilt and zero-entry, he was able toparticipate in water fun in a specialwheelchair at exactly the water depthhe chose – two feet – where hedecided to pitch a “swoosh ball.”Seizing the moment, his cabin matesand counselors created a baseballdiamond in the shallows. Infieldersused a pool noodle “bat,” while theoutfielders dove for the ball in deeperwater. How marvelous to witness thejoy on Jorge’s face, as he pitched thoseblazingly fast swoosh balls! STEEE-RIKE!
Night, Camper Andy chose not toparticipate because of his sensitivityto loud noises. I sat with him justoutside the theater. Artist-in-Residence Sherry Talley happenedalong bearing a gift of glow sticks –
lots of them! We used them tomake Andy’s wheelchair shine likea star. When the theaterperformance was over and thecampers filed out, Andy chose togive a glow stick to each one, hisspecial way of contributing to thefun of the evening.
We call it the Magic of Camp, but itis really the environment of Safety,Love and Respect that makesyoungsters feel empowered to tryanything, be anything and embracethe moment. People often think ofCamp as a place where the childrenmake memories to last a lifetime, buttruly, it is that for volunteers as well.
It is difficult to describe the Hole in
the Wall Gang Camp experience
without using the word “magical.”
From first-time campers to ten-year
volunteers, the magic of camp is felt
day in and day out, and this summer
was no exception. The best part of
the magic is that it is unique to each
individual who sets foot on Camp.
For one 2008 camper named
Hakeem, Camp magic was
synonymous with the word
“kindness.” One afternoon, Hakeem
signed up for a program that was
new to Hole in the Wall this summer,
called “Do-Rak” (Do Random Acts
of Kindness). Do-Rak campers spend
about three hours of their afternoon
performing surprise acts of kindness
for various people at Camp. The
campers are empowered to think
about the people for whom they
want to do something kind, as well
as how best to honor that person.
From there, the group scrambles all
over Camp delivering flowers to the
kitchen staff, singing a song for
lifeguards at the pool, planting a
surprise thank-you note on Leo’s
piano in the dining hall, or delivering
a stuffed animal to a homesick
camper.
As part of his signature
contribution, Hakeem helped
campers and counselors come up
with a “theme rap,” which they
performed for everyone they visited
that afternoon. It added an element
of magic to the Do-Rak activity. But
the true magic of Do-Rak comes
from campers like Hakeem who
chose to spend at least one
afternoon of their week giving back
to Camp and thinking of ways to
make others feel special.
Camp Magic for Austin took a
different turn. This was Austin’s first
summer as a Hole in the Wall camper.
It was also the first time he had been
away from his parents for more than a
few hours because of the seriousness
of his illness. Yet, from the moment
Austin arrived, he was on the move.
He seemed to go seamlessly from air-
hockey in the recreation building to
wood burning in the woodshop to
juggling lessons on the dining hall
green…. and he never stopped
smiling for an instant. Austin topped
off his session with a “Standing-O”
from the crowd at Stage Night in
honor of his first-ever, on-stage
performance. The experience left
him grinning from ear to ear, full of
pride and independence.
It’s magic, all right – from the
camper who was told that she would
never walk, yet made it to the top of
our climbing tower, to the child who
had never been more than ten miles
from his home in Kansas and
discovered his natural ability to
disco-dance at our Camp party. As
one 2008 camper put it, “Camp is
kinda like a dream. But not like a
regular dream… it’s like the best
dream I ever had.”
Cora Weed is Cabin Life Coordinatorfor The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
Chief Development Officer Mike Smiles(right) makes a new friend in Camper Andy.
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Just like in Camelot, the rain couldonly fall after sundown at this year’sGala, held at Camp on September 6thin the wake of Hurricane Hannah.The result was a fun-filled and livelyday (despite the humidity) filledwith a gourmet picnic, live and silentauctions, and games to benefit Camp.This year’s Gala highlights includedour “Most Wanted” Award to Louise“Lulu” Crowley in honor of herextraordinary philanthropicleadership and support. The eventwas a joyful gathering for theCrowley family who chartered a busfor the occasion so that all the moms,dads, aunts, uncles, andgrandchildren could enjoy the ride toCamp together. Later in the day, theCrowley family honored Camp withthe announcement of a visionaryleadership gift of $200,000 forneeded cabin renovations.
Thanks go to our Gala AuctionAdvisory Committee for theircommitment to securing stellarauction items. Highlights included amagnum of champagneautographed by Sandy Koufax andother National Baseball Hall of Famepitchers selling for $50,000 and anelection night experience withBrian Williams at NBC NightlyNews selling for $60,000. Anotherspecial feature of the day was the 70(count ‘em!) camperships broughtin through the auction, generating aflurry of activity as campers and
parents raced from bidder to bidder,taking information and giving outmedals. More than 400 friends ofCamp attended the event. All in all,the Gala raised a record of morethan $1,200,000 for Camp.
The Fandango performancecapped the day. A host of celebritiesgraciously gave of their time andtalent with featured performancesby Alec Baldwin, Tituss Burgess,Irina Markova and her performingdogs, Jessica Molaskey, boardmember James Naughton, guitaristJohn Pizzarelli and mentalist JonStetson. Quipping that she hadwondered if she would have to stayin a tent, Bette Midler delivered asparkling performance of lyricalfavorites expertly backed-up by“Harlettes” Elaine Caswell andMargaret Dorn, and The FandangoOrchestra. But the real show-stoppers were these remarkableHole in the Wall Gang campers:Joseph “TJ” Buchanan, Maisy Cyr,Mitchell Gonzalez, Carly Laverty,Autumn Lewis, Greg Mandara,Braulio Andre Pena, Austin Pierce,Darien Pierce, Anne Rowe, MicaelaShutt and Kweli Taylor.
Kevin Duncan produced theFandango (as he has done since1994); James Naughton directedthe performance (as he has donesince 1998); and Wendy Stuartdesigned the costumes (as she has
Left: Bette Midler wows the audience in theHole in the Wall theater with a spectacularperformance. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.Below: The remarkable Irina Markova and herperforming dogs delight Gala theater-goers.Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
Louise "Lulu" Crowley (center) receives Camp's "Most Wanted" award from Board ChairRaymond Lamontagne (left) and Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Canton. Photo by Bob Stone.
GALA 2008
done since 1994). They werejoined by Mary Mitchell Campbell,Annie Keefe, Rose Winters and ahost of theatre professionalsdedicated to the mission of Camp.Like each of the eighteen fall Galasbefore it, this year’s event reflected
the hard work of performers,professionals, volunteers andfriends of Camp alike. We aredeeply grateful for the gifts of timeand talent that made the Gala anexceptional day in support of ourcourageous youngsters.
Welcome New Legacy Society Members!Daniel G. JimenezKathy and Hank KaltHoward and Irene Kazuska
Richard D. Propper, M.D.Michael J. TomlinsonDr. Morton Zivan
We are so pleased to honor our new Legacy Society members. Theseindividuals made estate and endowment commitments in 2008 to The Holein the Wall Gang Camp. Leaving a legacy to Camp acknowledges your faithin our efforts to continue the mission of serving thousands of seriously illchildren each year. We are most grateful.
To join the Legacy Society or for more information about planned giving,contact Mike Smiles at (203) 772-0522 or [email protected].
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Above: Hole in the WallHeroes enjoy a hike in thewoods at Camp as part oftheir Journey.
Left: The Hero's Journeyprogram gives participantslike Camper Julia a chanceto measure themselvesagainst real worldchallenges.
Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Canton is joined (left to right) by Travelers ChampionshipTournament Director Nathan Grube, former camper and current Travelers employee AmandaGarbatini, and Travelers Chief Administrative Officer Andy F. Bessette in celebrating Camp’s new mini golf course, a gift from Travelers. Photo by Bob Stone.
The Hero’s Journey program is aseven-day, wilderness-basedprogram for young adults whoselives have been impacted by achronic or life-threatening illness.“This program provides itsparticipants with the opportunityto experience difficult, real-worldchallenges in a context of Safety,Respect and Love,” says CampDirector Matthew Cook.
As part of their experience,participants camped outdoors everynight for a week in an area of Campproperty separate from our regularsummer program. They practicedlow-impact camping skills,orienteering, search and rescue, andwilderness first aid. They faced anincreasing level of challengethroughout the week, bothindividually and as a group, helpingto foster interpersonalcommunication skills and leadership.
“Eric started out the weeksomewhat shy and nervous abouthis new surroundings,” recalls MarkDwyer, Program Coordinator forHero’s Journey. “He was particularlyconcerned about the campfire, butby the end of the week, he was ableto help with preparing the fire andhis awareness of the environmentwe were in was modeled by theother participants. His confidencelevel rose noticeably over the courseof the week,” says Mark.
Amy was a participant who hadnot spent any significant time in thewoods before accepting her call toadventure during the Hero’sJourney. “She made us take pictures
of her doing everything,” smilesMark. “Hiking, swimming in theriver, cooking, and building thecampfire – because she said herfriends would never believe herwhen she told them about all thenew experiences she had had.”
“Some of these youngsters havecome to Camp over the course ofmany years,” notes Chief ExecutiveOfficer Jimmy Canton. “It was verymoving to see them build theirconfidence level over the course ofthe week and take on the role ofcaregivers and helpers – given thatthey themselves had been the onesbeing cared for in the past.”
All of the new skills developed onthe Journey by our young adultswere called upon during the finalexercise known as the “Abyss.” Onthe morning of Day Six, the groupreceived an “emergency” radio callfor help and sprang into action,participating in a mock rescuescenario made very real by thepresence of the Connecticut StatePolice K-9 Search and Rescue Unitand Ashford Fire Department’sambulance and crew.
In the end, all of theseexperiences helped our youngHeroes to see themselves aseffective actors on the stage of theirlives. The Hero’s Journey seeks togive participants the opportunityfor a rite of passage and, having hadthat experience, to raise their eyesto the horizon and ask the world,“What’s next?”
A Hero’s Journey
Caps off to Travelers
This summer saw the unveiling of
the new, wheelchair-accessible
Travelers Mini Golf Course at Camp.
And the response from our campers
has been loud and clear: Golf is an
awesome sport!
Appropriately, the idea for a mini
golf course at Camp took shape on a
professional golf course with
Travelers Chairman of the Board Jay
Fishman, and Hole in the Wall Gang
Camp Board Chair Ray Lamontagne
– both golf enthusiasts and both
men focused on the needs of our
seriously ill campers. The mini golf
course soon became a reality,
thanks to a very generous grant of
$100,000 from Travelers.
Travelers has been a champion of
Camp in many ways over the last few
years, from its lead sponsorship of
Camp’s annual Fore a Very Good
Cause golf tournament in Fairfield to
establishing the Camp as co-
beneficiary of the Travelers
Championship Golf Tournament that
takes place each June in Cromwell.
At the program area’s dedication
this past spring, Chief Executive
Officer Jimmy Canton saluted Andy
Bessette, Executive Vice President
and Chief Administrative Officer of
Travelers, and Marlene Ibsen,
Travelers Director of Community
Outreach, expressing thanks for
Travelers’ visionary partnership with
Camp in supporting creative
programming for our campers
through the joy and gift of golf.
“The mini golf program allows us to
revitalize this area of the Camp,”
observed Jimmy, “which has been
dedicated to outdoor play. Thanks to
Travelers, this area will now
encompass outdoor golf for all
campers, welcoming everyone with an
equal opportunity to enjoy the game.”
As Camp continues to develop
the mini golf program, it will be
adding additional architectural
details – structures and obstacles
that reflect the theme of Camp such
as the boat house, the dining hall,
and the Wild West buildings – that
will make the course even more
challenging and fun, yet uniquely
Camp’s own.
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Too much mail? Duplicate mailings?Let us know. We are happy to accommodate your mailing wishes. Call our
office at (203) 772-0522 or email [email protected].
Our Policy on Donor NamesIt is important that our donors and friends know that The Hole in the Wall Gang
Camp never sells or shares its donor names and addresses. This policy reflects
our commitment as a charity to maintain the highest integrity in order to protect
and insure privacy while building a personal relationship with each donor.
Each year, more than 100 eventsorganized and hosted by thirdparties generously support TheHole in the Wall Gang Camp and itsmission. Perhaps even moreremarkable is that a number ofthose events are created and run byyoung people who are inspired tohelp their peers by sendingseriously ill children to Camp.
Last year, Sanam Rastegar, afreshman at the Hopkins School inNew Haven, had a brilliantfundraising idea – jumping rope toraise funds. Sanam and fellowstudents gathered pledges anddonations from friends, familymembers, and local businesses inthe weeks preceding their rope-skipping fundraiser. Studentschallenged one another to “hop” for3 minutes straight before passingthe rope off to a fellow classmate.The event raised a phenomenal$11,000 for our campers.
“Three years ago, I was introducedto the Hole in the Wall Gang Campthrough a Bike-A-Thon held at myold school Greens Farms Academy,”explains Sanam. “I never thoughtthat, at age 12, I could make adifference in someone else’s life.”
Raising funds to send four kids toCamp was very satisfying for her.When Sanam had the opportunityto meet Hole in the Wall campers,she was moved to see how muchCamp meant to them. “Once I wentto my new school, HopkinsSchool,” she says, “I knew I had tocontinue contributing to Camp. Icreated the Hop-A-Thon and I amhoping for it to continue annually.It is hard to express how amazinghelping so many people can be!”
Over the past two years, theHopkins School Hop-A-Thon hasraised a total of nearly $30,000,enough to send twelve campers toThe Hole in the Wall Gang Campfree of charge! We are so grateful toSanam and fellow Hopkins studentsfor their compassion andcommitment to the brave andbeautiful children whom we serve.Sanam hopes to continue to growthe event in coming years.
A Hop, Skip and a JumpBy Ray Shedd
“I never thought that, at age 12, I could make a difference in
someone else’s life.”
Rising StarsOne of the strengths of Camp is
that, although our overall missionand focus remains unchanged, wehave continually sought ways toenhance our offerings to best servethe needs of our campers. In recentyears, Camp recognized thegrowing need to reach out toformer campers who are nowentering young adulthood andformer staff who have all helpedshape Camp into the thrivingprogram it is today. Late last year,the Stars in the Sky Society AlumniAssociation began to take shape.
“The intent of the Stars in the SkySociety is to rekindle old friendshipsand create opportunities for former
campers and staff, 18 years andolder, to remain an active part of ourgrowing Camp community,” saysSarah Eio Smithson, Director ofAlumni Affairs.
What better symbol of Campconnection could have been chosenthan the wonderful lyrics sung byour campers around the campfireyear after year? Stars in the Sky, Stars inthe Sky, Bring the summer right back to me.“It is our hope that throughnewsletters, regional gatherings,and the launch of the alumni socialnetworking website, we can help tokeep alumni connected to Hole in
the Wall and the sense of joy theyfelt while here at Camp,” says Sarah.
The program has enjoyed a warmreception on the part of formercampers and staff alike. AlumniCommittee Member Malloryobserves, “Being a member of TheStars in the Sky Society has helpedme stay connected to people I grewclose with at Camp. That specialbond can’t be created anywhere else,and I am so glad I don’t have to loseit just because I’m no longer acamper. I’m thrilled to have the
opportunity to be involved in planningevents and working on ways so that otherpeople can maintain their Camprelationships as well!”
Camp has played an important part inthe lives of all our alumni, campers andstaff, teaching Safety, Respect, and Love.It is that Camp Spirit we want tocontinue to bring to our alumni nomatter where life has taken them afterleaving Camp. For more informationabout the alumni program and how youcan get involved, contact Sarah [email protected].
Mallory Cyr, former camper and AlumniCommittee Member and Jo Senecal, Campvolunteer counselor
Above: New Haven,Connecticut's HopkinsSchool studentsparticipate in a uniquefundraiser for Camp.
Right: Sanam Rastegarpictured (left to right)with Greens FarmsAcademy faculty members Jennifer Duncan,James Fitzpatrick and John Cissel, along withCamp friend and AdvisorTed Knetzger and Paul Newman.
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The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp, located in Ashford, Connecticut, was founded by Paul Newman in 1988. It is a non-profit, residential summercamp and year-round center designed to serve children and families coping with cancer and other serious illnesses and conditions. Each summer more than1,000 children between the ages of seven and fifteen from across the country and abroad attend free of charge.
Through our Camp programs, year-round outreach to seriously ill youngsters in hospitals and clinics, and ongoing services for children, families and care givers, the Camp serves more than 15,000 annually. All of our services are provided free of charge.
The programs of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp are made possible through the generosity of many friends.
The Hole in the Wall Gang Fund, Inc.555 Long Wharf DriveNew Haven, CT 06511Tel: (203) 772-0522Fax: (203) [email protected]
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp 565 Ashford Center RoadAshford, CT 06278Tel: (860) 429-3444Fax: (860) [email protected]
www.holeinthewallgang.org
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Gazetteis published by The Hole in the WallGang Fund, Inc.
Editor: Willow Ann Sirch
Writers: Matthew Cook, Linda R. Rapp, Ray Shedd, Willow Ann Sirch, J. MichaelSmiles, Cora Weed
20th Anniversary Gala Photographer:T. Charles Erickson
Photography: Bob Stone
Graphic Design: Angell House Design
Printing: Brody Printing Company
DirectorsRaymond LamontagneChair
Khaled F. AlhegelanMarna P. BorgstromGregory BrousseauAndy CrowleyAngela Diaz, M.D.Lynn Fusco Ursula L. GwynneKaren M. HendricksA.E. HotchnerDaniel R. KailRichard D. Kayne, M.D.Jay LevineDeidre C. MeyersonJames NaughtonLeo Nevas, Esq.Paul NewmanClea Newman SoderlundHoward A. Pearson, M.D.Dennis B. PosterLiz RobbinsJulia RobertsRobert RukeyserEdward P. Salzano
Committee MembersFred BrookeVincent S. ContiRay EmpsonEd Forman, MDEileen Gillan, MDJ. Nathan Hagstrom, MDMichael J. HavardGautam RamchandaniBarton A. Kamen, MDMarcella LeoneCalvin TrillinJack Van Hoff, MD
Council of AdvisorsJoseph L. AurichioVincent S. ContiJane Konover CoppaHon. Christopher DoddDr. Ruby P. HearnEdwin L. Knetzger, IIISimon KonoverJenny MorgenthauDr. Samuel B. Ross, Jr.Joanne WoodwardMortimer B. Zuckerman
Nevas, Nevas, Capasse & Gerard,Counsel
James H. CantonChief Executive Officer
Kevin M. MageeChief Financial Officer
J. Michael SmilesChief Development Officer
Sharon Space, MDMedical Director
Matthew CookCamp Director
Visit our web site at www.holeinthewallgang.org
There’s always something new to see at our web site. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to receivequarterly updates about Camp. (Just click on the sunflower.) You can also view our five-minute Campvideo or check out the upcoming benefit events.
© 2008 The Hole in the Wall Gang Fund, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed on recycled paper.
A Top Team Performer
Gearing up for Summer 2009Volunteer and staff applications for summer 2009 will be available in December.
Camp begins accepting applications after January 1. All summer (salaried) staff
positions will fill up quickly thereafter. To print an application or to learn more about
summer volunteer and staff opportunities, please visit holeinthewallgang.org.
New Canaan resident MikeHavard had run the ING New YorkCity Marathon prior to 2004, but inthat year, he decided to use hisparticipation in the race to generatefunds to send campers to Camp. Hisfundraising efforts brought in closeto $40,000 for our campers!
Mike’s enthusiasm wascontagious. He was soon thecaptain of a team of 40 runners, allwith the goal of raising funds forCamp. Together, they raised awhopping $150,000! As thenumber of team members grew, sodid the number of team events.Today, Team Hole in the Wallfeatures 570 members taking partin a dozen events.
Last year, Mike decided to raisefunds to send one child to eachcamp in the Hole in the Wall family.He raised $44,000, making him theteam’s top performer. “One of thethings I find so compelling aboutthe Team,” explains Mike, “is theapplication to all the camps nomatter where you are in the world.
Whether you are running inChicago, Berlin, New York or L.A.,there is a camp that serves seriouslyill children that is not far away. Andthe act of training and running 26.2miles to send a child to camp isitself a universally compelling ideathat reaches across any country andany border.” With dedicated friendslike Mike Havard, the magic ofCamp can reach around the globe.
Mike Havard (left) joins videographer JohnRice of Above the Line, who generouslydonated his time and resources to create thenew Team Hole in the Wall video.
Holiday Tribute CardsCelebrate the holidays with a full-color, 5”x7” tribute card from
Camp.Give us your recipient list and we'll do the rest, sending
each recipient an attractive, personalized card featuring camper
artwork indicating that a gift to Camp was made in their honor.
Minimum gift is $10. Or consider underwriting the cost of a
campership – $2,500 – in honor of someone special. To
participate, contact Pete McBride at (203) 772-0522 or email
[email protected]. Our holiday card order
form is also available online at holeinthewallgang.org. Your gift
will help a seriously ill child make memories to last a lifetime!
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555 Long Wharf DriveNew Haven, CT 06511www.holeinthewallgang.org
Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDSouthbury, CTPermit No. 51
"I just happen to think thatin life we need to be a littlelike the farmer, who putsback into the soil what hetakes out."
– Paul Newman
Fall 2008
The Hole in the Wall Gang Fund, Inc.
A Tribute to Our Friend and Founder, Paul NewmanP A G E 1
Gazette Fall 08:Gazette Fall 07 11/3/08 8:58 AM Page 8