More than 650 community members registered to participate in Federation’s annual CAMPERTHON last Sunday. The family-friendly day of activities is the largest fundraiser across the Greater MetroWest NJ catchment area to help local youth attend Jewish camp.
CAMPERTHON offered several ways to participate in person at Camp Deeny Riback of JCC MetroWest in Flanders. Tour de Summer Camps NJ was a repeat fan favorite, with 5-, 18- and 36-mile routes, for cyclists of all levels. The afternoon was packed with 20-plus camp-style challenges and fun activities for kids, families and community members of all ages. Designed for ages 2-plus. From larger events, including a color run and ninja challenge course, to sports, arts, music, games and more to enjoy at people’s own pace.
Along with an additional 400 doors, more than 1,000 were engaged in the exciting event.
The mission of CAMPERTHON is to raise funds for grants and scholarships so that more Greater MetroWest NJ children can attend Jewish day and overnight camp. The goal is to raise $200,000, and they have already raised more than $176,000. (Donations continue to be accepted through 12/31/22 at www.camperthonNJ.org.)
“It was a truly magical day for our community of cycling, singing, sports, arts, adventure—together, in person, on a beautiful fall day,” said Tracy Levine, director of One Happy Camper NJ. “There was also a wonderful integration of other Federation programs, such as an Israel Army Experience at the ropes course run by our Rishonim (young emissaries from Israel), and The Daffodil Project, a worldwide initiative in memory of the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust, hosted by Federation’s Holocaust Council and NextGen.
“There was also a special tribute at the bike ride for Susan Ratner, who passed away recently. Susan was a founding co-chair and inspiring leader of Tour de Summer Camps NJ, which so beautifully combined her passion for cycling and fitness with the mission of sending more children to Jewish camp to ensure a strong Jewish future.”
Dollars raised by participants go directly to One Happy Camper incentive grants and need-based scholarships to help send children to Jewish camp. 10% of fundraising donations go towards Federation’s UJA Annual Campaign.
Combined with funding from lead donor Paula and Jerry Gottesman Family Supporting Foundation, key donors including The Cooperman Family Fund for a Jewish Future, Susan z”l and Evan Ratner, and Rocker Family Foundation, event sponsors, and Federation’s UJA Annual Campaign, the proceeds from this event are a key part of the $1 million annual camp budget.
The day also raises excitement and awareness of the amazing array of Jewish camps serving the area, said Levine. CAMPERTHON is a collaboration with more than 20 leading camps serving the Greater MetroWest Community.
“It is proven that kids who attend Jewish camp grow up to be engaged Jewish adults and future Jewish leaders,” Levine said.
By Talia Liben Yarmush
