The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

GAZETTE Fall 2012 Robert Benson Photography An Interview with Bob Benson Bob Benson began taking photographs of Camp just before it opened in 1988. His body of work off ers a unique perspective on the evolution of Camp. In a recent interview, Bob shared what Camp means to him.

You initially came to Camp as an Please share a favorite experience How does it feel to know that architectural photographer. How did it you’ve had at Camp. your entire family is now involved IN THIS ISSUE feel to walk onto Camp that fi rst time? Early on, I recall a camper who felt with Camp? What’s New at Camp ...... 2 I could tell right away that the buildings comfortable enough to remove her My family’s interest in Camp has represented everything for which headscarf at Camp, revealing her bald been extremely exciting for me. CEO Message ...... 2 the Camp was striving. They have a head. I thought, “What a bold act.” My wife Wendy volunteered last Hospital Outreach on the Go . . . .3 presence. Like the dining hall. Being Today, it is a common occurrence at summer and my daughters Zoe and round, it gathers you in – everybody Camp, but back then, it was a big deal. Olivia were summer counselors. My Sheriff’s Spotlight faces everybody else. The sound I was also privileged to be there when daughters were already very caring Our corporate partners ...... 3 reverberates through it. The high Camp opened its doors to a group of and responsible, but I think this has Camper Corral ...... 3 ceiling gives you a sense of freedom campers from Chernobyl following the helped them to be even more so. Camp Through the Years ...... 4 and lifts your spirits. In a similar way, nuclear disaster. It didn’t matter that Camp also taught them the value all of the Camp buildings embody they did not understand a word of of putting 110% of yourself into the Camp’s Time Capsule ...... 4 the purpose of Camp -- structurally, English. They were just on fi re with the work that you do. Our 25th Summer ...... 5 emotionally and aesthetically. joy of Camp! It was a testament to how Our Events ...... 6 universal Camp is. What does Camp’s upcoming 25th anniversary mean to you? Team Update ...... 6 You’ve provided a visual history of It’s both exciting and surprising to Saddle Up for Camp Camp from Day One – a huge gift to think that 25 years have gone by. Highlighting community support . . 7 Camp. What is similar about your It is very moving to consider both Camp photos past and present? the benefi t that the campers have Pardner Profi le What is similar is the spirit of Camp – received from Camp and the love Remarkable Camp staff & friends . . .7 born of joy, compassion and trust. I hope that all the counselors have taken that it shows in all the photographs I out into the world over the years. have taken over the years. We know that Camp helps make the world a better place. No matter how grim the headlines, that knowledge Be sure to “like” us on Facebook gives me hope. www.facebook.com/holeinthewallgangcamp and follow us on Twitter. Above: The Benson family: Bob, Olivia, Zoe and Wendy See page 4 for more photos by Bob Benson. https://twitter.com/holewallcamp Top photo: A camper in Camp’s early days enjoys recapturing a bit of childhood. What’s New at Camp

Our OK Corral got a facelift! The in the Wall Gang Campers recorded infi rmary renovation was completed a new sing-along version of her in time for our 25th summer, hit single “Wonder,” which is now featuring additional treatment available for download at www. rooms and doubling the size of the holeinthewallgang.org. The music pharmacy. Starting in 2013, it will video, directed by Charlie’s Angels allow us to provide overnight care for director McG, is also available and more campers. beautifully highlights the many During Session 9, we launched the wonders of Camp. We hope that Bliss Project, a pilot program designed everyone will show their support by to serve the population of aging-out sharing our song as we celebrate our campers who are not physically or community and invite new friends to medically able to participate in Hero’s join us. Together, we can help more Journey or our Leader In Training seriously ill children experience the Program (LIT). Tailored to participants’ magic of Camp. ability levels, the Bliss Project brought New York-based Grey Group is some of the philosophy and practices providing its expertise pro bono to build with a specially designed from Hero’s Journey into an experience awareness of Camp’s mission and 25th stencil by London-based of challenge and self-discovery – giving anniversary. On August 13, Grey Group artist Katy Beveridge. its teen participants a boost of self- released a 30-second Camp PSA, which The new Team PSA will be confi dence and the opportunity to may be accessed on the Camp’s web site released during Camp’s return to Camp. at www.holeinthewallgang.org. Grey 25th anniversary. To help us celebrate 25 years fi lmed a Team Hole in the Wall PSA at Famous faces at of “a diff erent kind of healing,” our Camp Challenge Ride on September Camp this summer Natalie Merchant and The Hole 8. Cyclists decorated their bike wheels included actress Bridget Moynahan, taking a break from the CBS TV drama “Blue Bloods,” and Governor Dannel Malloy, who stopped off and visited Camp while on a trip to promote tourism in the state. CBS Correspondent Martha Teichner and the Sunday Morning crew visited Camp Above top: CEO Jimmy Canton (far left) and in early August to shoot a segment on Senior Development Offi cer Ryan Thompson Camp that featured beautiful tributes (far right) joined McG and Bridget Moynahan from CEO Jimmy Canton, Board Member at Camp. Melissa Newman and a host of campers. Above: Natalie Merchant recorded her hit The segment aired August 26, and before song “Wonder” as a single with our campers the week was out, Camp’s Facebook this summer. page had jumped by 1,000 “Likes.” The Left: Our infi rmary renovation featured ad- segment may be accessed on the Camp ditional treatment rooms and doubled the web site: www.holeinthewallgang.org. size of the pharmacy.

From the CEO Hours after our last summer work beside the most consistently camper had left, I found myself compassionate, creative, funny and seated in the middle of one of the dedicated people I have ever met. most beautiful places in the world – Grateful for how Camp has changed Camp’s Cabin Circle – preparing my my life –bringing me sustained remarks to the staff for our summer joy, perspective, centeredness closing banquet. It was an absolutely and friendship. Grateful to the beautiful day – a cloudless blue sky families who have trusted us with helping to de-clutter my mind. It was their most precious and vulnerable the end of our 25th summer. The staff possessions. And most importantly, was brilliant all summer long and grateful for the unforgettable and that would be easy to emphasize. inspirational friendship and courage But this moment required something from, literally, thousands of children more. It was, after all, the closing of with whom I have played, laughed, Chief Executive Offi cer Jimmy Canton with camper. our TWENTY-FIFTH summer! hugged, high-fi ved and consoled Time and time again, I come over the past 25 years – a handful, supported our eff orts to provide volunteers and our campers and back to gratitude. Grateful for in particular, who have taken up “a diff erent kind of healing” to the their families, Happy Thanksgiving the blessings in my life – in stark permanent real estate in my heart. children and families we serve – and Happy 25th Anniversary Hole contrast to the unjust suff ering Thanksgiving this year means many of you for the past 25 years in the Wall! May the next 25 be fi lled and misfortune in the lives of the even more as we celebrate our 25th – you have my heartfelt thanks. On with even more laughter, love, play children we serve. Grateful to Anniversary. To all of you who have behalf of our Board, our staff , our and friendship. opened your heart to Camp and

2 Hospital Outreach on the GO Highlights from our exciting year-round program that brings the joy of Camp to seriously ill children in locations across the Northeast.

The day for Hospital Outreach “One night,” recalled Ari, “campers Specialist Arielle “Ari” Linsky usually were asked to name three things: begins in the hematology/oncology something they were proud of, waiting room. Here, she sits with something they were scared of, and Hospital Outreach Specialist Arielle Linsky with a patient. children waiting for treatment, something they were looking forward to.’” engaging them in scratch art and other After a few minutes, a sudden What’s New at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp projects, listening to their worries and torrent of rain led the 14 campers and Hospital Outreach Program® helping to allay any fears or concerns counselors to squeeze into a six-person they may have. Later in the day, she tent. “The space was unique. The » The Hospital Outreach Program added two new locations: Our Boston visits children who are receiving answers were beautiful. The closeness Hospital Outreach team started providing visits to patients at Children’s inpatient care at their bedsides, sharing of the community fi lled the moment Hospital-Waltham Campus this summer, and the New York City team will start arts and crafts projects, playing games, with a sort of magic,” she said. programming at Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York on Long Island talking or just listening. “Guided activities like this one in the fall. Ari, a graduate of Wesleyan showed the campers they could » Three new Hospital Outreach Specialists joined the Boston team this past University, joined the Hospital Outreach trust and rely on each other,” she said. September and two additional Outreach staff members were added to the Program in 2011. This past summer, she “Throughout the week, they learned to New York City Team at the start of November. volunteered at Camp, working with the make the most of those opportunities. I » The Boston team hosted its annual HUB CUP scavenger hunt for Boston area Hero’s Journey Program. Her Camp days was so moved by the program and how it hospital teen groups on September 29. were fi lled with hiking, rescue scenarios created space for growth, empowerment and team-building activities. Each day and connection among the Hero’s ended with a gathering around the Journey campers and staff . I can hardly campfi re – the fi re council – to share wait to go back next summer!” answers to a special theme or question. Camper Corral Stories from current and former campers.

Derek Billings was diagnosed with introduced me to his other counselors Burkitt’s Lymphoma at age 11 and as his ‘cancer brother.’ To be able to be Sheriff’s Spotlight came to Camp for the fi rst time when that person to a seriously ill child is a A Shout-Out to our dedicated corporate partners. he was 12. “I had been to a summer really powerful experience,” he said. Travelers and the camp before,” he said, “but not The “I’m lucky to live close enough to Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, so I was Camp that I can volunteer at Family Travelers Championship curious about what to expect. It was Weekends,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve Camp was once again honored amazing. The counselors had so much missed one yet. The weekends are to be a benefi ciary of the Travelers energy and excitement, I recall asking special because we get to give back Championship held June 20-26, 2012 in my mom if they ate sugar all the time!” to the whole family. I think it is helpful Cromwell, Conn. Camp maintained an “As a camper, I met some kids who for the parents to see someone who exciting presence throughout the week had cancer and others with sickle cell has come out on the other side of the in Corporate Row and the Fan Zone, disease,” explained Derek. “Suddenly, treatments their child is going through. providing activities for more than 1,000 in my world there were other kids By the end of the weekend, you really children and family members. Highlights who had completely diff erent illnesses feel as if you are part of that family.” included Bridget Moynahan’s appearance than I did that were still really serious. Derek’s favorite program area is as Keynote Speaker for Women’s Day, at Camp helped me feel like I wasn’t a Expro, “but I’m biased,” he explained. which she shared her Camp experience. ‘cancer k id.’ I was a normal kid who just “I ran Expro this past summer. It’s a She also interviewed with FOX-CT. Camp Travelers underwrote the cost of Camp’s happened to have cancer.” great activity because the kids make received excellent media coverage mini golf course, a favorite program area This summer and last, Derek said, their own pizzas in our outdoor pizza for many campers. all week, with interviews from former he felt fortunate to be able to come oven and choose what to put on campers, as well as the national broadcast back to Camp and help other kids them. These are kids who have a lot of the tournament on CBS and the Golf of The Travelers Companies, Inc. “The facing some of the same challenges. of choices taken away from them Channel. PGA TOUR Champion Marc Travelers community has rallied “A couple of years ago, I met a mother because of their illness, so it’s fun – but Leishman was the tournament winner, behind this special mission, and we whose son had the same rare cancer you can tell it also means a lot to them. but the real victory came with the event look forward to celebrating Camp’s that I had had. We bonded right away. That’s what Camp is all about – giving raising more than $250,000 for Camp. 25th Anniversary at the Travelers The next summer, I got to see her back choices, giving back fun, giving Both as lead sponsor of The Travelers Championship in 2013.” son on Camp while I was a counselor. back a sense of not being alone. I feel Championship and in its own right, “Travelers’ leadership support for I knew exactly what he was going very lucky to be part of it.” Travelers has made an outstanding Camp represents a comprehensive through. We talked a lot, and he diff erence for our campers. Travelers’ and transformative partnership that continued fi nancial support for both tangibly moves our programs forward,” Below: Former camper, summer counselor and volunteer Derek Billings with campers. the Camp’s Hospital Outreach and COPE said Hole in the Wall Gang Camp CEO (Change of Pace Experience) Programs Jimmy Canton. “From direct program has led to transformational growth in support and special event sponsorship those areas, enabling Camp to serve to employee volunteerism, Travelers’ more children and families. Equally investment in our mission exemplifi es inspiring, more than 100 Travelers the broad-based partnerships needed to employees volunteered at Camp this help us serve more brave and beautiful year, helping prepare the cabins and children in the exciting years ahead.” grounds between sessions. For more information on The Hole “Travelers is delighted to support in the Wall Gang Camp’s Corporate The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and Partners Program, please contact its many transformational programs Ray Shedd, director of corporate & for these inspiring children and their foundation relations, at ray.shedd@ families,” observed Jay Fishman, holeinthewallgang.org or visit our web Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer site: www.holeinthewallgang.org.

3 Camp Through the Years

Bob Benson’s photographs have provided a visual history of Camp from Day One. Here are just a few of his iconic Camp images.

All photos courtesy of Robert Benson www.robertbensonphotography.com

Camp’s Connecting to our past, celebrating our future Time Capsule If you were to set the dial on your time machine for Fall 1987 and the location to Ashford, Conn., you would see the start of the construction of Camp. The initial 35 Camp buildings, of which our signature Shaker Barn-style dining hall is one, were built in a record eight months by the Simon Konover Company. Who could have guessed that this skeletal building, once completed, would quickly become the center of so much singing, dancing and no-hands eating?

Above: Camp’s dining hall under construction during the winter of 1987. Left: Camp’s dining hall today.

4 Our 25th Summer

Camp Holiday Cards are Here! Show your Camp love by recognizing clients, family and friends with Camp’s holiday tribute cards this holiday season. Featuring several choices of camper artwork, Camp’s holiday cards let you make a donation to Camp on behalf of others. Order form is located at www.holeinthewallgang.org/holidaycard or contact Andrea Keefe at [email protected] or 203-772-0522. In addition, Camp off ers holiday giving opportunities for corporations looking for a way to recognize valued clients. For more information, see www.holeinthewallgang.org/corpholidaygiving.

5 Our Events Highlights of our latest benefi t events and those to come… The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp eff orts to ensure the successful launch kicked off a yearlong 25th anniversary of Camp, which resulted in a $5 million celebration at its 22nd annual gift from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia just Fandango Benefi t Gala, which was as Camp was getting underway. held at the Camp in Ashford, Conn. on The Fandango, directed by Board Saturday, September 15. Member James Naughton, featured Guests and longtime friends began appearances by actress Bridget the day with a cocktail reception and Moynahan, singer Tituss Burgess, silent auction before moving on to the comedian Tom Papa, renowned violinist Camp’s most successful live auction Itzhak Perlman and others. Surprise ever, which was led masterfully by guests Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella, Thanks to a host of generous celebrities and our talented campers, the Gala’s Fandango Board Member Alec Baldwin. who provided the voices of Timon and performance was the best ever! Camp’s Most Wanted Award Pumbaa in the feature fi lm version of recipient, Board Member Khaled The Lion King, reunited on the Camp performances from these talented Hole Campbell, along with a host of Alhegelan, was recognized for his stage to perform the beloved classic in the Wall campers: Emily Candaffi o, talented stage professionals. outstanding philanthropy, including his “Hakuna Matata.” Best of all were Alyssa Casson, Troy Conger-Bailey, Trent The event raised an unprecedented Dunn, Lexi Medina, Cameron Merritt, $1.78 million for the Camp’s programs Justin Najimian, Julius Nelson, Nilmarie serving seriously ill children and their O’Reilly, Sahradya Oracius, and Brenna families throughout the Northeast. We Tobin with The Fandango Orchestra, are grateful for the hard work of all our including their closing song, “Stars in performers, professionals, volunteers the Sky.” and Camp friends who made the Gala Filmmaker McG (Charlie’s Angels) an exceptional day in support of our introduced the music video he directed courageous campers. of a new, sing-a-long version of the hit Camp’s Annual Halloween Bash in song Wonder, performed by Natalie New York City was held Saturday, October Merchant and The Hole in the Wall Gang 27, featuring a private performance of Campers. The song and music video the Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center for may be accessed at our web site: donors, campers and their families, and a www.holeinthewallgang.org. post-Circus party at the Hard Rock Cafe- Special thanks go to Producer LIVE Venue in Times Square. Kevin Duncan, Production Manager We hope to see you at our Founder’s Monica Moore, Production Stage Day celebration on January 24, 2013 at Board Member Melissa Newman shares a moment before the Fandango performance with Manager Annie Keefe, Stage Managers Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, Camper Charlie and Camp friend Jo Senecal. Ms. Newman continued her father’s tradition Robin Kevrick Baker and Rose Winters, Conn. Watch for announcements of our of performing in the Fandango, off ering a haunting rendition of “No Moon at All.” and Musical Director Mary-Mitchell New York City Gala to take place fall 2013.

What’s new and exciting at Team Hole in the Wall…

What happens when you take myself and the dream that I set out the most demanding and outrageous to accomplish that day, but even athletic event ever and combine it more so for the seriously ill children with a mission to help seriously ill that suff er from their illnesses every children? Just ask Jimmy Malthaner. day.” Hobbling the remaining 5.2 Jimmy took part in the Ironman miles, he reached the fi nish with a US Championship 2012 Triathlon time of 11:51:38 to the cheers of an as a member of Team Hole in the enthusiastic crowd. Wall. Consider for a moment what In addition to supporting our that means: a 2.4-mile swim, a campers as the team’s top Ironman 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile fundraiser, Jimmy is a tireless Camp run for a total of 140.6 miles – volunteer, whether it’s ensuring Jimmy Malthaner (center) volunteering at Camp with Assistant Director of Team Hole in all to be completed within a the safety of 300 AngelRide cyclists, the Wall Michael Hund (left) and team friend Patti Newman. 17-hour time frame. cheering on the athletes in the Jimmy said he felt great after Team fan zone or working 16-hour I can help to make that happen, that option. Or take part in one of the his swim and bike ride, but 12 miles days to make Camp look beautiful means everything to me.” team’s signature athletic events. into the run, his knee began to give for our campers. You don’t have to be an Ironman Don’t be surprised if Jimmy “Ironman” him trouble. By Mile 21, he could no “If I had to pick a word to describe to join the team. Some of our best Malthaner is there at your next event longer run. With an ice pack taped Camp, it would be ‘magical,’” he said. team members ride roller coasters cheering you on. to his knee, he was determined to “If a child with a serious illness can or run lemonade stands through Visit www.teamholeinthewall. get to that fi nish line, “not only for experience what I feel at the Camp, if the team’s Create Your Own Event org for more information. The latest team updates can also be accessed at these sites: Team Hole in the Wall 2013 Event Calendar New York City Half Marathon March 17 Fairfi eld Road Race June 22–23 More Magazine/Fitness Magazine New York City Triathlon July 14 Women’s Half Marathon April 14 Camp Challenge Ride September 7 Boston Marathon April 15 ING New York City Marathon November 3 Five Boro Bike Tour May 5 Choose Your Event Ongoing AngelRide May 25-26

6 Up ddle Sa for Camp Camp is at the epicenter of a caring community. Our gratitude goes out to all who host and organize fundraising events in support of Camp’s mission.

Music is an integral part of Camp, introduced many new friends to the whether it’s a great band like Mean mission of Camp. Carlene playing for one of our benefi t In November, New York City events, Lad in a Battle entertaining hosted the 3rd Annual Jam for the campers and counselors, or our Kids with Big Sam’s Funky Nation campers making their own recordings and The Stooges Brass Band, while in the theater. We are grateful for our Connecticut’s New England Air community partners who bring old Museum rocked to Pratt & Whitney’s and new friends to Camp’s mission own Screamin’ Eagles Jazz Band at Musicians spread joy through traditional jazz styles at the 20th Annual Hot Steamed Jazz Festival. through outstanding musical events. the 8th Annual Not-So-Snooty Beer, This year’s musical highlights Wine and Cheese Tasting Adventure included Jimmie Rogers, Marshal Lytle hosted by Bradley Family Day. “What and the Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz could be better than a celebration Band performing at Jazzin’ with the of local Connecticut beer, wine and Stars in Middletown, Conn in April, cheese enjoyed to the music of a great and The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, Connecticut band? And it all supports which celebrated 20 years June 22-24 Camp – a Connecticut treasure!” said in Essex, Conn. Event Co-Chair Kathy Maznicki. “I couldn’t think of a better Watch for more community way to combine two of my top events in support of Camp at loves: good food and a charitable www.holeinthewallgang.org/ organization that is making such a eventscalendar. Contact Andrea Keefe positive impact on people’s lives,” said at Andrea.Keefe@holeinthewallgang. Event Sponsor Serendipity Magazine’s org or (203) 772-0522 for more CEO and Founder Suni Unger of the information about our community Greenwich Food + Wine Festival. This events or to sponsor your own event exciting event took place October 4-6, in support of Camp. featured the Gregg Allman Band, and

Bradley Family Day hosted its Not-So-Snooty Beer, Wine and Cheese Tasting Adventure with music by Pratt & Whitney’s Screamin’ Eagles jazz combo.

Pardner Profi le A place to shout about a few of the people who make Camp the remarkable place it is.

Dave Olson can’t get enough of can choose,” he explained. “A few arrive Camp. He has been volunteering as a with complicated ideas for something summer counselor for nearly a decade. they want to make. Often, they don’t In addition to helping out in the realize that it is complicated – but we Woodshop, he also makes projects for work with them to simplify their project Camp, like the wooden buildings on into something we can create together. the putt-putt green and the wooden I like the Woodshop because you can “ladder” games placed in areas where focus on one camper at a time. As I help campers sometimes have to wait for them with their projects, they just talk another group to fi nish an activity. about anything they want. That is the “I met a volunteer who had been most fun.” nervous that he would be the only What is the best part? “When counselor over the age of 35,” explained you get home from spending a Dave. “Then he met me! I told him, week volunteering at the Camp,” he your age goes down 20 or 30 years the said, “you feel like you have made moment you go through that gate.” a diff erence. You know there are Some of the campers come to campers who had a better time “Dave in Woodshop” knowing exactly because you were there to be a friend what they want to make. “They’ve been and help them out. “ planning it all year long,” he said. Others need help in deciding what project to do. “There are so many from which they  Volunteer Dave Olson and Volunteer Coordinator Ellen Buus

Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Executive Editor: Ryan Thompson. Editor: Willow Ann Sirch. Contributors: Andrea Keefe, Ray Shedd. Photography: Craig Naumec, Robert Benson, Camp is a community dedicated to providing “a diff erent kind of T. Charles Erickson, Thomas Giroir, Patrick Raycraft. Designer: Angell House Design. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Gazette is published by healing” to children and their families coping with cancer, sickle The Hole in the Wall Gang Fund, Inc. © 2012 The Hole in the Wall Gang Fund, Inc. All rights reserved. cell anemia and other serious illnesses. Through summer sessions The Hole in the Wall Gang Fund, Inc. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and family weekend programs at the Camp in Ashford, Connecticut, 555 Long Wharf Drive 565 Ashford Center Road Paul Newman, Founder and year-round outreach to hospitals and clinics throughout the New Haven, CT 06511 Ashford, CT 06278 Ray Lamontagne, Chairman, Board of Directors Northeast, the Camp serves more than 20,000 children and family Tel: (203) 772-0522 Tel: (860) 429-3444 James H. Canton, Chief Executive Offi cer members annually. All services are free of charge. Fax: (203) 782-1725 Fax: (860) 429-7295 The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp never sells or shares its donor [email protected] [email protected] names and addresses. This policy refl ects our commitment as a charity to maintain the highest integrity in order to protect and ensure privacy, www.holeinthewallgang.org while building a personal relationship with each donor.

7 The Hole in the Wall Gang Fund, Inc. Non Profi t US Postage 555 Long Wharf Drive PAID Direct Mail New Haven, CT 06511 Solutions www.holeinthewallgang.org

Our 25th summer was full of exciting highlights. Take a look

inside…

Board Member Alec Baldwin joined our talented campers just before the Fandango performance at September’s Fandango Benefi Fandango September’s at performance Fandango the before just campers talented our joined Baldwin Alec Member Board Gala. t

2012 Fall