WATERBURY — Funseekers at Quassy Amusement and Waterpark at its final weekend of the 2020 season before closing generated additional revenue for the Greater Waterbury Campership Fund.
Quassy’s “Wings & Things” lunch event that took place Oct. 17 and 18 resulted in a generous $750 donation from the Middlebury recreation spot for the Campership Fund. Patrons were able to purchase a lunch that included three kinds of chicken wings, sides and beverage, with partial proceeds assisting the campership program.
The contribution nudged the current campaign total to $171,167, putting the level further above the target goal of $165,000 established by the fund’s all-volunteer board of directors in the spring.
This year’s summer camping season, dramatically altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, wound up with 72 eligible youngsters attending participating area camps at a cost of $38,646 for tuition fees. A normal year likely would have seen 450 or more area underprivileged kids heading off to glorious, unimpeded weeks of summer camp fun.
All monies not used this year will be applied to future Camperships, staying true to the 501 (c) 3’s mandate of no salaries, no expenses, every penny raised going to the cost of sending children to camp. Donations are accepted gratefully year round.
The United Way of Greater Waterbury volunteers its professional services to assist the Campership Fund by overseeing the eligibility and application process.
Families who receive SNAP benefits or meet federal poverty guidelines, and with children ages 5 to 18, living in Bethlehem, Cheshire, Middlebury, Prospect, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott and Woodbury, are eligible to apply for Camperships.
Schools and philanthropic entities, civic clubs and church groups, individuals, large and small businesses support the Campership Fund cause year round through their contributions and proceeds from special events or in-house activities.
Contributions may be sent to Greater Waterbury Campership Fund, 389 Meadow St., Waterbury, CT 06722.
A donation recently received amounting to $750 included:
• Quassy Amusement Park and Waterpark, Middlebury, $750