Susan Leckey, Senior Director at One Heartland, opened my heart and my eyes to a wonderful camp that is doing amazing work right here in Carmel, Camp Heartland.  She wanted share the wonderful news that American Idol Star Kimberley Locke  Sings From The Heart  to benefit Camp Heartland on September 20, 2008 at Caramoor Center for music in Katonah.   Tickets for this exciting fundraiser are now on sale and can be purchased at http://www.oneheartland.org/ 

Susan’s love for the kids and their families is obvious and making the September 20th fundraiser a success is extremely important to her as well the rest of the staff at One Heartland. Her email was so perfectly written that I’m just going to quote her, “I guess a few points I would make is that we just took this NY camp over…it had been in place for 14 years and was about to be dropped completely until we agreed we would take over, as we couldn’t imagine telling 200 families that the best thing that ever happened to them was about to end.  So we decided to take on the 2 weeks which came with a 1/4 million dollar budget.  We also have family reunions in NYC twice a year to help with keeping the families grounded and hopeful.  For many of these families we are the only people in their lives who know they are affected by HIV/AIDS.”

Susan went on to say that they were going to start a “Teen Retreat” for the NYC children/teens which will help them with life skills.  “What makes the NY camp special is seeing the mom/grandmother/caregiver with their children in an environment that they never experience in the city…the children thrive and the adults have their own group leaders to help keep them strong as well.  One mother said to me, “I have never slept away from my 1 bedroom apt since I moved in 12 years ago with my 3 children…this is like a dream being here,  I don’t have to worry about drugs, guns or feeding my children, every need is taken care of.  We also interact with them in plays and dances which is so precious to me…in the city, this would never happen.” 

How did Kimberley Locke get involved?

One Heartland reports that Kimberley’s fierce sense of overcoming obstacles brought her to Camp Heartland where she met the organization’s courageous children and youth living with HIV/AIDS. In the past 15 years, Camp Heartland has provided nearly 7,000 summer camp experiences and year-round support to children and youth infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.  In 2003, Kimberley dedicated herself to raising money, awareness and expectations for the children of Camp Heartland, a national non-profit organization with programs for families impacted by HIV/AIDS in three locations:  Minnesota, California and, here–in our own backyard– in Carmel, New York.

Together with American Idol winner Ruben Studdard– and a host of surprise performers– Kimberley has planned a life-affirming evening of world-class entertainment, outstanding food and feel-good stories from the joyful children who have benefited from Camp Heartland.

Camp Heartland runs camp sessions in Carmel, New York, just 16 miles away from the Caramoor Center for Music and Arts, where, each summer, children impacted by HIV/AIDS receive the gifts of compassion, advocacy, connection and celebration of life. Because the majority of families who participate in Camp Heartland live in poverty, all campers attend free of charge.

That’s where the community comes in. With the help of like-minded people in this special community, Kimberley is hopeful that this fun-filled, profound evening will gain the attention of those wanting to be a part of bettering the lives of Camp Heartland’s children and families who are so grateful for a glimpse of normalcy.  Come join us for a night to remember.  Purchase your tickets today.  Corporate sponsorships are also welcome.

One Heartland is a national non-profit organization dedicated to greatly improving the lives of children, youth and their families facing HIV/AIDS and other significant life challenges worldwide.  One Heartland operates a growing number of programs and services that already include: Camp Heartland, Birch Family Camp, Journey of Hope AIDS Awareness Programs, Global Heartland, Heartland Shares, Heartland Camp and Retreat Center and Heartland Partners.

 For more information on One Heartland, please visit http://www.oneheartland.org/. 

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