Last night, I had the great Joy of meeting the wonderful people who run the Comfort Zone Camp at their annual gala. With camps in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia hosting campers from 43 states, Canada, and the UK, the Comfort Zone camps provide a voice and a community to grieving children. The camps “create an environment where grieving children and have fun and break the isolation that death brings” totally free of charge for children aged 7 to 17 who have lost a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. I was extremely impressed with the work of this organization as they address a very vital need. A videotaped message from John Walsh of “America’s Most Wanted” made me aware that over 2 million children are affected by the death of a close loved one every year. The Comfort Zone camps and the after camp events allow these children to share their stories with their peers, have a special opportunity to say goodbye and remember their loved ones, and to form friendships and support communities with the other children and their families. In addition, the kids are provided with healthy coping tools to stay connected to their loved ones.
- Jamie McLean
Held at the Tribeca Rooftop, the sparkling gala featured a silent auction, some of the yummiest food I have ever had at an event (there went my diet again!) provided by the in-house caterers, and a musical performance for my new favorite singer/songwriter, Jamie McLean and his band. The evening was a spectacular success and raised much-needed funds for the organization’s great work. TGATP fully supports the Comfort Zone Camps and asks that you go to: http://www.comfortzonecamp.org/ and give what you can to ensure a child a place at camp this year.
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