Camp Brooklyn hosts another successful gala

It was another successful night for Camp Brooklyn.

The non-for-profit organization founded by former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz in 2002 — which sends low-income children from the borough to sleep-away camp for two weeks during the summer — held its annual Community Service Award Gala & Auction on Thursday, March 10 at The Water Club overlooking the East River.

“It was a beautiful night with a beautiful view because we were looking at Brooklyn,” said Camp Brooklyn Executive Director Debra Garcia. “We always have a good time at events. It was also great because we’ve raised enough money through the gala and auctions to send 70 more kids to camp this summer. Our goal is to send as many as we can, as well as returning campers.”

Along with regulars that attended the event, there were new attendees thanks to word of mouth, which helped the fundraiser. “We do a series of things, like an online auction and a silent auction,” said Garcia. “A lot of people donated. We do a ‘Kid to Camp’ campaign where some people send kids for two weeks. It all adds up. We raise the necessary funds through fundraisers, sponsorships, grants for program support and donations from caring individuals.”

This year, President of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Michael Mulgrew was honored for his outstanding service to the children of New York City.

New to this year’s gala was the Happy Camper Scholarship Award, given to Camp Brooklyn Fund alumnus Taliq Thomas. “He’s a hero,” said Garcia. “Last year, he saved some people when he ran into a burning building in Brooklyn. He woke people up and saved lives. He’s an amazing kid and is entering his last year in high school so the scholarship will help him in the next stage. He’s been camper for quite a few years now at age he can be a leader at camp.” The award was presented by the New York Daily News.

For more information on the event, or the organization, e-mail campbrooklynfund@gmail.com, or visit www.campbrooklyn.org.