HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMP BOGGY CREEK!

Scroll down the right margin of my Blogsite and you'll see a category I created (with a smile) called COOL STUFF. Basically, this is a handful of carefully researched Non-Profit organizations I have chosen to support because they fit my heart well. Actor Paul Newman is one of my all time favorite people. His "Hole in the Wall Gang Camp" I support each year in memory of my young Niece who was lost in 1991. While I was on the road for 18 days to 9 cities, I came across a photo of Paul with retired Army General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, co-founders of "Camp Boggy Creek" located in Eustis, Florida. Last Saturday, both men showed up at Universal Studios, Florida to mark the 10th Anniversary with volunteers and donors alike. I was sorry I missed attending. The camp takes in seriously ill children and allows them to do most everything healthy kids get to do like swim, fish, and a favorite for me--riding horses--while receiving medical treatment.

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Modeled after "The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp" that Paul founded in 1988 in rural Connecticut, "Camp Boggy Creek" kids between the ages of 7 and 16 get to stay in one of 16 very cool cabins on this 223 acre lake for a week! The General and Paul had a message that the camp may be short of 70 volunteers this summer. So I decided to BLOG about it briefly.

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The positions they need filled range from life guard, to camp counselor--as well as physician services. "We can always use more money. We can always use volunteers", said Paul. Children fighting Cancer have a hard time trying to "fit in" with healthy children. But the buck stops here! Referring to kids who stay at the camp, Paul observed, "The transformation is apparent. It's visible after the first day...and we haven't lost a single camper to alligators", he joked. General Schwarzkopf, who retired to Florida also chimed in. "It was astonishing to see children with terrifying illnesses...in the swimming pool...and they're being treated like a normal kid", he said. "It's not cheap, but it's worth every nickel". So, if you happen to live in the area and want to at least investigate to see if volunteering your time and talents and love is "in the cards" for you this upcoming summer, call Toll Free" 1-866-462-6449, or tell ya what. You can visit www.boggycreek.org !

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I'd like to sign off with a photo slide show that has some fun photos of an upcoming Harley Davidson Biker Ride to benefit the camp coming up later this October.

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Just Click on ://www.rideforchildren.com/gallery.html and enjoy. It's a GREAT way to start your day!

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Before I sign off, I'd like to thank Doug Miles, Host of "Suncoast Magazine" at 1220 AM Talk Radio in Sarasota for having me on the air yesterday morning as his Guest for about 15 minutes. I put in a "plug" for Bud Buckley in nearby Venice for the audience to go hear him play! That was great fun and the guys at the station are First-Class. The Pan Am Historical Foundation was mentioned in Miami and Al Topping caught my broadcast on the Internet and said he had a blast listening. After driving nearly 5,000 miles in 18 days, I'm slowly getting caught up on my rest and plan to start visiting all of you tomorrow. Thank you for your supportive e-mails and have a terrific day!

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Listening to: "Rockin' Horse", "Niagra" and "I Give In" by: Sara Evans.