ROCKY MOUNT, Mo. — A fundraiser at the Lake recently brought it more than $15,000 to help individuals with disabilities come to Wonderland Camp.
Wishes for Wonderland was held on Sept. 14, 2016 at Topsider, and raised money for campers with disabilities from around the Lake and throughout Missouri.
“When a camper comes out to Wonderland Camp, whatever the camper can or can’t do is left on the other side of the camp entrance. The individual is just another camper wanting to be at camp,” said Bob O’Steen, the chairman for the Wishes for Wonderland event. “That is why for four years I have chaired this event. What happens at Wonderland Camp is truly remarkable and worth everyone’s volunteer time or financial contributions.”
Wonderland Camp is like so many other camps in the area. There is scheduled time for fun activities, new challenges, and definitely awesome friends. What makes Wonderland Camp unique is its ability to allow campers with special medical needs and disabilities the freedom to experience it all with supportive staff and facilities to remove common barriers.
“The actual cost for a camper to attend Wonderland Camp is over $1,000,” O’Steen says, who is also a board member. “Because of donations from Wishes for Wonderland and around the Lake, those donations turn into scholarships. Campers only pay $650 for a week of camp. The camp fee has not increased for three years, but the actual cost to run camp continues to go up each year.”
Each year the local community supports the scholarship efforts with a variety of events and donations. In June the 1st annual Gator Games donated $2,000 to Wonderland Camp. Tim Garner of CrossFit LOTO said, “I am happy to give to such a worthy cause, like Wonderland Camp.”
Additionally, Phat Phest was held at Shady Gators in August where close to $4,000 was raised in the event’s 10th year! “That place is so special for so many. Shady Gators is pleased to raise money to support Wonderland Camp,” said JG, Shady Gators owner.
Wonderland Camp is in its 47th year of bringing the joy of camping to individuals with disabilities. For 11 weeks each summer and on weekends in the spring and fall, more than 1,030 people come to Wonderland Camp for what most of them say is their favorite week of the year.
Run by a small, year-round executive staff and dedicated Board of Directors, Wonderland Camp, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization, is interested in meaningful partnerships with organizations, businesses and individuals who want to help make a difference.
For more information about Wonderland Camp, visit www.WonderlandCamp.org or call the camp at 573-392-1000.
