The Wildflower Camp Foundation is pleased to announce The Friends Network, a philanthropic program based on a relationship-oriented process called “participatory philanthropy”. This process strives to develop a close connection between the giver and the receiver. Those who invest in The Friends Network will have the opportunity to witness the impact of their donations.

Wildflower’s Founder Cyndi Jones highlights the benefits of this approach. “This initiative at Wildflower is an opportunity for donors to participate in an innovative way. With an initial donation of $1,000, donors will become a vital part of a group committed to the mission and future of Wildflower.” Ninety percent of each donation will be used to send children to the camp of their choice. Contributors may give as an individual donor, as a business, as part of a family or friends group, or in memory or in honor of a loved one.

Research from bereavement professionals shows that early intervention can have a significant impact in helping families minimize the damage caused by the trauma of losing a parent. By granting camp scholarships, Wildflower provides a catalyst that enables bereaved families to begin to rebuild their lives. Through a supportive camp environment, children rekindle their spirit, creativity, and talents while parents have time to heal.

Members of The Friends Network will receive two complimentary tickets to the “Promise of Summer” 5th year celebration event, with host Bob Lobel at Fenway Park on September 26th, 2009. They will also be invited to a pre-event cocktail party at Fenway Park that evening. You might like to know that membership in the network does not end with this event. Members will continue to receive periodic updates, if they wish, with information as to how their funds are being utilized.

Wildflower is at a new juncture in its history. As word spreads about the value of our program, the number of applicants continues to grow each year. The challenge is that the volume of calls from those who need Wildflower’s services has grown beyond our current resources. Our commitment is to ensure that all current recipients will receive our scholarships as long as they need our help while integrating new Wildflower families each and every year. 

Wildflower intends to work diligently to fulfill this growing demand. Through the Friends Network, as well as partnerships with camp directors, we hope to continue to provide the promise of summer to children who would not be able to attend camp if it were not for Wildflower.

The work of Wildflower Camp Foundation has been recognized by the American Camping Association New England with the Community Honor Award for outstanding contributions to organized camping.

Wildflower Camp Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization according to the IRS tax code. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.