Manufacturing Cares Update: Request to Support Camp Noble Cause
By John W. Kennedy, CEO of NJMEP
Last year, we launched the Manufacturing Cares campaign to work with NJ manufacturers and STEM companies to give back to the community in various ways. The ‘Manufacturing Cares’ program was the brainchild of NJMEP’s long-term Senior Vice President and friend, Tony DeSantis, who we lost suddenly in 2015… we have held onto his vision.
One of our connections is Camp Noble Cause, which provides a fun camp experience to New Jersey-based families of active duty military personnel at one of our local NJ Boy Scout Camps, Winnebago Scout Reservation in Rockaway.
Last year, we were able to support this ‘all-volunteer’ effort with over $15,000 of donations – including products. Examples: we were able to provide a portable PA System for their Campfire Program, as well as food and many giveaways We made an impact for our Active-Duty Military & their families in 2015 and we ask you to please consider helping once again
The 9th year of Camp Noble Cause is planned for June 18th and 19th 2016 to support our Active Duty families. I can’t think of any better way to say “Thank You” for the sacrifices these families made every day than to support this mission. I’m asking for your help again with providing for some of the extras that Winnebago Scout Reservation does not normally provide during summer camp
Here is a letter from their contact, Bob Newberry:
Camp Noble Cause, the American Legion & Boy Scouts of America are working together to host a free summer camp experience for the families of our deployed military personnel. Patriots Path Council, Boy Scouts of America has generously allowed us for the 9th year to host this event at Winnebago Scout Reservation in Rockaway At this time, we expect 500 guests overnight plus approximately 100 volunteer staff This will be a fun-filled weekend providing the usual summer camp activities such as swimming, fishing, mountain biking, archery, arts & crafts, boating, field & shooting sports and an inspiring camp fire
We know that more than 155,000 kids in the northeast have at least one parent who is deployed in the war on terrorism and this is a staggering figure Our goal is to bring these children of our military families together to make new friends and share in some carefree fun that they need and deserve. It is our hope that though the contact with other military families having deployed parents or siblings, that they may derive some comfort in the camaraderie and recreation they will discover at Camp Noble Cause.
It is with great pride and appreciation that we offer this free event to all children and spouses of active duty military personnel and New Jersey National Guard We rely solely on the generosity of our New Jersey businesses to allow us to run this event each year, through their financial support or product donations since we have no checking account or independent financial resources to run this project on our own. Our event has grown in size and popularity over the years and with this in mind, we are looking to various suppliers to help with some additional financial support or product donations that we can provide to our guests to help make our event an even bigger success
At this time, I would like to ask our NJ Manufacturers, to help us again in supporting this special program for families of our deployed military by considering a donation of any items that we could like to distribute at check-in to our guests – like hats, tees, flashlights, or other items. Additionally, on Saturday night we organize an Ice Cream Social for all 500 guests that is always a huge hit for the kids We provide a “create your own Sundae” bar with chocolate or vanilla ice cream and a variety of toppings to choose from.
We hope that you will see this as a great way for NJMEP and our State’s Manufacturers to stay involved and help us give back in support of our military families. We would be more than happy to display your logo, banner or any advertising you provide us with in exchange for your support of this project. In addition, we will also proudly print your name on the back of our participant t-shirts to recognize your most generous contribution to the event
I hope that you will join us again as we say “Thank you” to our military families for their sacrifice and service to our country.
We are again working in conjunction with the American Legion Tri-County Memorial Post # 423 (Tax ID # 22-6098791) and I would be happy to provide a copy of our tax certificate should you require that information.
American Legion – Tri County Post 423.
28 Legion Rd
Oak Ridge NJ, 07438.
(Please mark check for Camp Noble Cause)
Bob Newbery
H 973-992-4399
C 973-303-3786
