Since GRAND-AM's inaugural season in 2000, the sanctioning body has partner with Camp Boggy Creek to help raise funds for seriously ill children. Officials, teams, sponsors, drivers and friends have contributed over $1 million in cash and over $200,000 in goods and services. We hope to grow this even more during the 2011 season as more members of the GRAND-AM family embrace this magical place and its mission.
Camp Boggy Creek was founded by Academy Award-winning actor and accomplished racer Paul Newman and retired U.S. Army General Norman H. Schwarzkopf. The 232-acre camp in Lake County is located just 45 minutes from Daytona International Speedway and helps children ages 7 through 16 to better cope with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Among the illness groups served are diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, immune dificiency, kidney disease, sickle cell anemia, epilepsy, asthma, spina bifida and bleeding disorders. An on-site state-of-the-art medical center provides care ranging from dialysis treatments to fixing bee stings. The children who come could not possibly attend another camp due to the severity of their illnesses and the level of care required. Paul Newman's vision was to create a place where these brave children could "kick back, relax and raise a little hell"...in other words...just be kids.
During the summer, Camp welcomes children with like illnesses for nine one week sessions where they can forget they "have what they have". The rest of the year, children bring their whole family for one of 20 family weekends. Since opening its doors in 1996, over 50,000 children and family members have been served at no cost to them. Camp Boggy Creek relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, medical partners and foundations to fund the $4.5 million annual operating budget.
There are many ways the GRAND-AM family can help. Plan to attend GRAND-AM Day at Boggy Creek on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until noon, featuring the Frisselle Brother's Mini-Golf Tournament, tours of Camp and additional activities (RSVP to Helen Pardee at hpardee@nascar.com). Consider sponsoring a camper for $2,500. Donate an auction item. See waht teh camp might need taht you or your company can provide. For more information or ideas or to arrange a tour of Camp, contact Sarah Gurtis at sgurtis@BoggyCreek.org or call 352-483-4200 x688 or call toll free 866-Go-Boggy (866-462-6449 x688). Thank you!
Camp Boggy Creek, 30500 Brantley Branch Road, Eustis, FL 32736 www.BoggyCreek.org