Dear Friends,
I need your help! I am challenging Houston again to donate to Matthew's Challenge. This year, my goal is to raise $30,000 so I can send 30 kids
with disabilities to summer camp. I am so lucky because my parents send me every year. I get to ride horses, canoe, play basketball, archery, and swim, just like my friends without disabilities. I love the rock wall with the zip line.....a lot! It’s so much fun. Unfortunately, there are a lot of kids that don't get to go because their parents can't afford it and space is limited.
My goal is to open three more cabins so more disabled kids like me can enjoy summer just like any other kid. Please help me by making a donation to Matthew’s Camp Challenge.
Help me raise even more funds for Matthew’s Camp Challenge by telling your
friends, family and co-workers you made an online donation and that they
can do it too! Visit the Matthew’s Camp Challenge page at eastersealshouston.org to find the online donation form.
You Rock!
Matthew
TO HELP MATTHEW…
MAKE AN ONLINE DONATION
https://sna.etapestry.com/fundraiser/EasterSealsGreaterHouston/campchallenge/aboutEvent.do
MAIL A DONATION
Make a check out to Easter Seals – Camp Smiles
4500 Bissonnet, Suite 340
Bellaire, TX 77401
Easter Seals Greater Houston, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization and our tax ID number is 74-1238418.
Because goods or services were not received by you, you may claim a tax deduction for your generous
donation to the full extent allowed by the IRS.
More information about Matthew and Easter Seals
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Matthew approached us three years ago when he took it upon himself to raise money for a cause that hit close to home - children
with disabilities. Matthew and his mother, Board Member, Suzy Stephenson, contacted us and soon became an agency favorite as his
charm and attitude touched everyone around him. In three short years, he has made a big impact; raising money, speaking at special
events, attending Camp Smiles, and participating in weekly yoga. Most recently Matthew was honored as the Mayor’s Youth Advocate
of the Year for his amazing fundraising and advocacy efforts.
Over 65% of the families served by Easter Seals have a household income below $25,000. Funds raised are important in helping the
agency continue its’ 64-year tradition of providing free or low cost, high quality services to over 5,500 children and adults with
disabilities and their families in Houston and the four surrounding counties each year.
Most of the children attending Camp Smiles are in wheelchairs and need one-on-one care. They are paired with a young volunteer
and engage in activities that are fun, skills-building and provide gains in independence. For many of our campers, this will be their
first time ever away from home overnight and they will begin to realize their own full potential. Our camp staff and the high school
and college-aged volunteers benefit from an enlightening and rewarding experience during their week at camp. Many of our past
volunteers have said the experience of Camp Smiles made them decide to spend a life in service - as therapists, advocates or
medical professionals working with people who have disabilities. Now entering its 12th year, Camp Smiles is a week-long summer
camp for children with all types of neurological disorders held at a barrier-free camp designed for children and adults who are chronically
ill or disabled.
With the Matthew’s Camp Challenge funding, we hope to add cabins to reduce our waiting list. Costs per cabin are approximately
$9,000 and your donation helps Matthew reach his goal of adding three more cabins – that translates into 30 more campers!
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