Newsletter Vol. 6

As a working mom…

As a working mother, the joys of summer have always brought with it the woes of finding childcare for my school-age children. Add to that equation the need to find summer-appropriate activities for a child with special needs. Sometimes the phrase “school’s out” makes me shake a bit.

My children, Aimee and Andrew were always in some form of day camp which included swimming, sports, picnics, dancing and general fun. When Andrew was 6 years old, however, the very experienced and caring camp director called me down to her office. She let me know that my special needs son did not fit in with their program and asked if I had ever heard of Camp A.N.C.H.O.R at Lido Beach. That was the best advice I have ever received!

The Town of Hempstead’s A.N.C.H.O.R Program (Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation) began in 1968 and it now serves more than 1,000 town residents with physical and developmental disabilities.

This past summer was my son Andrews’ 20th season at Camp A.N.C.H.O.R and the 50th year for this very special program, which offers programming and activities during the fall, winter and spring as well.

The success of A.N.C.H.OR is a result of its dedicated team of 250 employees and 330 teenage volunteers who work with A.N.C.H.O.R participants.

Volunteers can start at A.N.C.H.OR when they turn 14 and many become employees after three years. My daughter began volunteering at 15 and became a camp specialist while on summer break. So I’ve experienced this program from all angles. Once you’re part of the A.N.C.H.OR family, you’re never alone.

The Town of Hempstead and Anchor Program Fund, Inc (APF) have a successful and collaborative relationship. The Town pays for staff, facilities, transportation, equipment, bowling and movie trips, while APF pays for the “extras,” such as field trips, winter programs, parties - and everything else that makes A.N.C.H.O.R so special for our sons, daughters, and loved ones.

Two years ago, I joined the Board of Anchor Program Fund (APF). APF is a charitable, nonprofit that accepts donations to fund special activities and events, as well as the necessary supplies and equipment, for those who participate in A.N.C.H.O.R.

Our population grows every year because you can’t age out of the A.N.C.H.O.R Program (our oldest camper to date was 84-years-old!). However the Town has more than 700 individuals on a waiting list to be campers.

Fundraising is a necessity to keep our programs running, and one of my duties as a member of APF’s board is to educate and help people learn more about the A.N.C.H.O.R Program.

APF is always looking for grant opportunities and corporate sponsors, so please let us know if you have ideas. You can also support APF via direct donation, plus AmazonSmile and Network for Good.

10th Annual Beach Ball Raises $51,000 for Camp A.N.C.H.O.R

The 10th Annual Beach Ball raised more than $51,000, surpassing last year’s total. Proceeds benefit Camp A.N.C.H.O.R which serves children and adults with disabilities living in the Town of Hempstead.

The Town established A.N.C.H.O.R’s year-round program in 1968. The summer camp opened a year later with 70 campers, 12 volunteers and 45 employees. Today, the camp serves 650 residents, who are supported by 330 volunteers and 250 staff.

Hosted by Anchor Program Fund, Inc. (APF), this year’s event drew more than 400 guests to Bridgeview Yacht Club (Island Park). Several event sponsors and local vendors donated items for the raffle and auction.

“We’re just thrilled with how the event turned out this year, and truly grateful to all of our guests, sponsors, and partners for their generosity and support,” said Anna Dragone, event co-chair and a member of APF’s Board of Directors.

Rich Esposito was honored for his :dedication and devotion” to the camp. Esposito began working at A.N.C.H.O.R in 1980 as Park Crew Chief.

“Rich has been a huge part of the success of this program since he started,” said MaryAnn Hanson, A.N.C.H.O.R Director.

The Nassau County PBA was also recognized for its support of A.N.C.H.O.R, such the annual summer Block Party the PBA runs during the summer camp.

“My son has Autism and we enrolled him in A.N.C.H.O.R when he was 5,” said Marianne Pizza, APF’s Bookkeeper and a member of its board. “It has given him a social life like he never had and many dear friends. His days are filled with joy and happiness. A.N.C.H.O.R is a major reason we continue living in the Town.”

Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen, who attended the event, said “I look back so fondly on my own days as a volunteer at Camp A.N.C.H.O.R and I know how special our A.N.C.H.O.R family is. It’s the happiest place in town.”

In July, Supervisor Gillen and Nassau County Executive Laura Curran discussed a $125,000 grant given to Anchor Program Fund, Inc. from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Portions of the grant will be used to expand services to 40 new campers, provide two weeks of equine therapy at camp, and fund scholarships for five A.N.C.H.O.R employees. Gillen said that Town will also install ADA-compliant restrooms at the camp’s facilities and provide additional buses, tents and equipment.

We’ve made it a priority to see the A.N.C.H.O.R Program thrive so more families can experience the benefits we provide,” said Supervisor Gillen.

Anchor Program Fund thanks and congratulates A.N.C.H.O.R Staff

Anchor Program Fund, Inc. (APF) thanks Rich Esposito and Jeff Smith for their many years of dedicated and distinguished service to A.N.C.H.O.R and our daughters, sons and loved ones.

Rich began his career at Camp A.N.C.H.O.R in 1980, and Jeff joined 50 years ago. While Jeff is retiring, he will remain a member of the A.N.C.H.O.R family.

We also congratulate MaryAnn Hanson on her well-deserved promotion to A.N.C.H.O.R Director.

“Passionate, dedicated and caring people like MaryAnn, Rich and Jeff are what have made A.N.C.H.O.R such a successful program and magical place for more than 50 years.” said John McKenna, Vice President of APF’s Board of Directors.