Care Camps Foundation recognized individuals, campgrounds, and industry partners for their contributions to pediatric oncology camps during the We Care Awards ceremony at the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Convention in Raleigh, North Carolina, held November 17–20.
The annual program highlights supporters whose efforts strengthen Care Camps Foundation’s mission across the outdoor hospitality sector.
Care Camps Foundation presented its annual We Care Awards during the closing celebration of this year’s Kampgrounds of America Convention in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The awards have been issued since 2009 to honor individuals, KOA campgrounds, and corporate partners for their support of the foundation’s mission.
The We Care Volunteer Award was presented to KOA campground representatives who launched the organization’s new Ambassador Program. According to the foundation, this was the program’s first year, and the team played a key role in enhancing fundraising challenges and events across the system.
The award recognizes individuals who contribute their time, energy, and talents to advance Care Camps Foundation’s mission. The new ambassadors were acknowledged for strengthening engagement throughout the KOA network.
Care Camps Foundation also presented the We Care KOA Award, which honors a KOA campground that has increased its contributions over a five-year period while demonstrating continued commitment to the mission.
This year’s recipient was the San Antonio Alamo KOA Holiday. The campground was recognized for its consistent generosity and for organizing multiple fundraising events that supported the foundation’s work.
The We Care Peter Warrick/Wayne Morris Award was also presented during the convention. The award is named for two longtime Southeast Publications leaders and supporters of Care Camps Foundation.
This recognition is given to the KOA campground with the greatest year-over-year increase in charitable giving. Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort received the award after maintaining its fundraising efforts despite experiencing significant storms.
Care Camps Foundation highlighted the campground’s dedication as an example of resilience and mission-driven commitment. The organization noted the importance of this year’s giving increase amid operational challenges.
The We Care Corporate Award recognizes a company that extends its support beyond traditional business priorities to champion Care Camps Foundation’s mission. This year’s award went to the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association.
The association conducted a year-long 50th anniversary fundraiser that included touring a donated travel trailer across Canada to raise raffle proceeds and awareness. The award was presented to Shane Devenish, president of the association, during the RV Dealers Association Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In addition to the annual awards, Care Camps Foundation offered special recognition to KOA and KOA campgrounds. The foundation reported that KOA locations have contributed more than $22 million over the past 41 years.
Care Camps Foundation identified KOA as its legacy partner, noting the company’s role in launching and sustaining its support for pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada. The organization cited KOA’s long-term involvement as integral to its mission.
Featured image by Care Camps Foundation