Charity Fest Guest Post: Camp Cheerful by Nicole Cardello

We're kicking off Charity Fest with the very first email I got regarding giving back to your community. I have to admit it's a kick that the author is a good friend, but in all honesty her email is what sparked the idea that it was time to run Charity Fest again. Plus, we've never done it here on the SCU site.

Nicole's post actually hits on two different topics. First, is her ongoing involvement with Camp Cheerful. Second is a fund-raising event with a 5/10K run. So, right off the bat here are two different types of programs for you to consider, one the non-profit itself, the other a fund-raiser.

Since my first pos I've received a lot of different posts on a wide variety of topics. I'm going to do my best to publish them all. There are so many great ideas out there from so many people in the photography industry. Each one has focused a little of their energy to helping make their little corner of the world a better place!

Here's the link to my original post about Charity Fest. If you're giving back to your community I'd love to be able to help you share what you're doing with more people in the photography industry.

Click on the image to find out more about Camp Cheerful and the Achievement Centers for Children.

As most of you know (some of you may not) I volunteer at Camp Cheerful in Strongsville, Ohio with the Therapeutic Riding Program.  I’ve been involved with this program for 3 years and it is truly one of my passions.  We help over 200 special needs children and adults who ride year round. They come from all walks of life and have varying levels of ability (notice I said ability and not disability, when our campers get on those horses anything is possible!).

We currently have 14 incredible horses at the barn.  There is an amazing connection between our horses and riders; the horses give back as much love as the riders give them.  Our program isn’t about "pony rides"! So, let me put this in perspective for you…

It gives someone who is wheelchair bound the chance to walk. It soothes a child with autism. It helps someone with Muscular Dystrophy with balance and strength.  Our riders learn social skills, self confidence and for an hour they are just like everyone else. 

And now it’s time to raise some money to keep this and other amazing programs that Camp Cheerful offers up and running.  The 2013 Most Excellent Race is a 5/10K Run/Walk that benefits Camp Cheerful through the Achievement Centers for Children, it’s coming up and I need your help.

I have set a $1,000 goal for my race team, The TR Trotters!  We are all either volunteers or staff members of the Therapeutic Riding Program and I want to blow the doors off of our goal for our riders!!  So join our team, donate or just come out to support an amazing cause!! 

The race is Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Beaumont School in Cleveland Heights.  Your online gift to Achievement Centers for Children is tax deductible and you will automatically receive an e-tax receipt once your donation has processed.  Please feel free to pass this along to anyone and everyone you know who may be interested in supporting a great cause! 

Click on the image to find out more about Camp Cheerful and the Achievement Centers for Children.