Why I Give

Quotes from our Donors

Cannot think of a better use for my money than to connect a child to the beauty and fragility of Arizona’s magnificent outdoor treasures.
— Rick Rappaport

In memory of Jeffy Cocagne, an avid golfer and fisherman, hopefully camps still do that. Back in the "dark ages," I was able to camp a couple of times, wonderful experiences. This has become my favorite charity.
— Janice Bottorff

In remembrance of John "Fox" Batastini, from fraternity brothers, John Jacobs and Dick Volger, rest in peace our good friend. Thank you for your brave service.

 — Jake and Granny

I greatly appreciate these kind actions to help the young people in our community. 

— Deanna Bates

In memory of my husband, Terrance M. Murphy, LTC USAF, retired. We always, and still, keep our donations local, and to benefit children and families.
— Georgianna M. Murphy

The first Sunday of each month we have a soup or salad dinner and ask participants to donate. The money is given to a 501( c)3 organization.
— Karen Wilson, Sunset Ridge Townhomes

In memory of Bill O'Neil, co-founder of TL Roof Construction.
— Tom Roof

In memory of George Cunningham, our friend and classmate from Catalina High School.

— Paul and Mary Anne Miles

in memory of Dick Purdy. My husband, Dick, loved camp as a Boy Scout. I know he's looking down and hoping other kids have the opportunity.
— Norma J. Purdy

In honor of Pope Leo XIV.

— Jeanne Clarke

In honor of my brothers, A. Jay Donaway and Mike T. Donaway.

— Marlayne Burton

In loving memory of our charter sister Marguerite. We have been donating in memory of her loving husband, Mr. Ratcliffe, since he passed away.

— Christina Sanzo, Alpha Delta Kappa Psi

As retired career educators from Minnesota, we understand the value of providing children with a variety of activities and opportunities. Camp is fun, as well as a learning experience. Jan attended Girl Scout camps throughout her youth. Those experiences helped her develop an appreciation and understanding of nature and the environment. and helped to develop personal resolve, independent living skills, as well as teamwork. We both have graduate degrees in special education, so know how wonderful it is to provide camping experiences for handicapped youth. Thank you for helping provide these opportunities to area you!

— Al and Jan McClellan

 I am glad to support your program to send kids to camp, when their families cannot afford to do so.

— Celeste Pardee

Thank you to the Arizona Daily Star for raising money for summer camp.
— Anne Maley-Schaffner

In honor of Howie Fischer and his 50 years as a journalist.
— George Campbell and Debbie Kornmiller

I was lucky to be a camper, thanks to La Sertoma in Chicago decades ago. A blessing with good memories and experiences to last a lifetime. I'm grateful to be able to pay this forward in 2025, as previously. God bless!

— Judith McClintock

In memory of Wendell Graves — a kid at heart.
— Sherry Graves

In keeping with our mission,  this donation is to help send Southern Arizona children from active military families to camp.

— Sunflower Community Veterans’ Club

In memory of our son Tim Tanner,  thanks for the great work this program does for kids.
— Don and Josie Tanner

In memory of Charles DeConcini. We are thrilled to report that from 3/2023 to 12/2024 the Lunch Bunchers have donated $3,242 to Send A Kid to Camp Fund.

— The Salpointe Class of 1967 Lunch Bunchers

In memory of Coach Willie Peete for boys and girls Christmas Camp in Morenci. He was instrumental in assisting student athletes by emphasising self-discipline and treating everyone with dignity and respect. 

— Al Navarrete

In memory of four of my fellow F-4 fighter pilots in my 421st  Tactical Fighter Squadron in Vietnam who didn't make it home and were killed in action: Capt. Michael Donovan, Lt. Larry A.  Trimble,  Lt. Wesley Raszel and Maj. Lee Morrow Tigner. Donovan's remains have not been found.
—  John A. "Fox" Batastini

Thank you for giving joy to the kids, in memory of Frank Ott, RIP.
— Kathryn Ott

We have read about the very good work you are doing to enable deserving kids from underprivileged homes from Southern Arizona to attend one of the camps you support. 

— Robert and Peggy Wenrick

In celebration of Larry and Susan Lane on their 60th anniversary.

— Michael and Lynn Harris

Enjoyed the Lighthouse Y Day Camp and the Triangle Y Ranch Camp back in the early 1960s. Great fun. 

— William Lucas

To support the Girl Scouts camp on Mt. Lemmon. I went to Girl Scout camp for years in New Hampshire – even became a counselor for a few summers. 

—Beth Dingman

In memory of Patrick Lennon, educator, friend and Rotarian.

— David Gallaher

May God continue to bless your excellent endeavors! Please list my donation this year: In memory of John C. Scott and Carol Warren.
— William Roemer

Thanks to Debbie K. for all the work and commitment to the Sportsmen’s Fund. 

— Robert Logan

For 16 years, we have enthusiastically supported the Sportsmen’s Send A Kid to Camp program. There are a multitude of benefits derived from childhood participation in summer camp. 

— Gary F. and Virginia N. Strniste

As snowbirds we believe in your program for the kids in the summer. Thank you for keeping it going for the 15 years we’ve been enjoying four months in Tucson while New York State is freezing. 

— Linda and Bob Sokolowski

Thanks for the envelope, it makes donating easier.
— Charles Pettis

In honor of my brother Don Lewis who passed away in 2023 and was assistant camp director under Chick Hawkins. I was camp nurse for several summers and my father, Dr. Don Lewis, was very active in the Y.

— Diane Lewis Carey