Raising Funds for Rising Sun

As of noon on Dec. 20, the HKTV Holiday Telethon had raised more than $14,000 for Camp Rising Sun, a camp for kids diagnosed with cancer.

This is in addition to more than $500 raised by the Haddam Junior Fire Company during a recent fundraiser. The 25th annual telethon aired live on Comcast Channel 18, but will be rebroadcast throughout the holidays.

The Colebrook, Conn.-based camp, which describes itself as “A place where kids with cancer HAVE FUN and SMILE,” has been operating for 30 years. It grew from hosting eight children in its first year to more than 100 campers this past year.

Previously, children ages 5 to 17 attended the camp free of charge. Due to American Cancer Society budget cuts, however, campers face the possibility of paying their own way.

“These donations will mean a lot to some really exceptional kids, but more than that, this money means that Camp Rising Sun can continue to do its important work,” said Chet Crocco, HFVCo. Junior Firefighter/EMR and one of the telethon hosts.

With enough funding, Camp Rising Sun also intends to pay the way for kids turned away from similar camps that were forced to close.

Camp Rising Sun is open to all Connecticut children who have had or are currently being treated for cancer. Children from out of state are eligible on a first-come basis. The camp is staffed with volunteer counselors, in addition to a pediatric oncologist and three nurses who reside on campus 24-hours-a-day to tend to medical needs.

Situated on the shores of Triangle Lake in the northwest hills of Connecticut, the Camp Jewell YMCA offers campers modern, heated cabins with fireplaces, carpeting and lounges, 500 pristine wooded acres, waterfront with sandy beach access, playing fields, basketball and tennis courts, a ropes course, infirmary, lighted amphitheater for performances, dances and ceremonies, an arts and crafts studio, and a working farm.

To learn more about Camp Rising Sun, visit http://www.camprisingsun.com. To learn more about the telethon, visit http://www.hktvholidayshow.org.

You can also lend your support while you shop for those last-minute gifts! With every eligible purchase through http://smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate 0.5 percent towards Camp Rising Sun when you select it as your charity of choice.

Every donation gives these kids a chance to be kids in a safe and loving environment with others who share their experiences.

Please help us spread the word about this worthy cause.